Game System

ABSTRACT

A game system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a server. Each of the gaming machines executes a game independently. When the server receives bet information, the server carries out a lottery for winning a progressive prize as to the gaming machine which transmitted the bet information. If any of the gaming machines wins any progressive prize, the server makes the gaming machine that has won the progressive prize to execute an effect for announcing winning of the prize. Meanwhile, the server makes the gaming machines other than the gaming machine that has won the progressive prize to conduct an effect for indicating losing of the prize.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/075,460 filed on Jun. 25, 2008, the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/075,875 filed on Jun. 26, 2008, the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/075,474 filed on Jun. 25, 2008, the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/075,905 filed on Jun. 26, 2008, the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/077,262 filed on Jul. 1, 2008, and the U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 61/075,920 filed on Jun. 26, 2008, the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

One or more aspects of the invention relate to a game system comprised of a plurality of gaming machines wherein a game can be executed independently for each of the gaming machines and a server which can connect the gaming machines.

2. Description of Related Art

Various gaming machines have conventionally been installed in game arcades and the like. As one of the examples of them, stand-alone-type gaming machines have been available. In such stand-alone-type gaming machines, a game result is determined for a gaming machine separately, i.e., a game for the single gaming machine is executed separately from games for other gaming machines. That is, a game for this type of gaming machine can go with a single gaming machine (i.e., a processor for determining a game result) and a player seated thereat. Each stand-alone-type gaming machine independently executes a game and decides a result of the game, even if a plurality of gaming machines is installed. As a result, games thereof become monotonous, making it difficult to get players playing games continuous long time without letting them get bored.

In game arcades and the like, there is a game system constituted of a plurality of gaming machines and a server, in which the plurality of gaming machines are respectively connected to the server. Such a game system has a link progressive function whereby a predetermined ratio of bet amounts which are bet at the gaming machines connected to the server is accumulated as a progressive payout. In a game system having such a link progressive function, a lottery process for drawing a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) according to which a progressive payout is awarded with respect to the connected gaming machines is carried out in a predetermined timing. As a result, if a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines, the progressive payout which has accumulated till present is paid out to the winning gaming machine.

However, in conventional game systems having this link progressive function, when a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines, the win is announced only at the winning gaming machine. Accordingly, players who play at gaming machines other than the winning gaming machine may not notice that a progressive prize was won at any gaming machine constituting the same game system as the gaming machines at which these player plays. The probability that a gaming machine will win a progressive prize is in general, extremely small. Accordingly, in case an effect is executed to announce winning of a progressive prize only at the winning gaming machine, the period of time in which no effects relating to progressive prizes are executed becomes extremely long. Thus, players may gradually lose interest with respect to a progressive payout.

Further, in conventional game systems having the link progressive function, the above-described progressive payout is shared amongst a plurality of gaming machines. However, similarly with the gaming machines which do not constitute a game system, a game and effects are independently executed in each gaming machine, and a game result is then independently determined in each gaming machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game system which enables execution of a game having entertainment characteristics which could not be successfully achieved in conventional art, by executing effects both with respect to winning gaming machines and non-winning gaming machines, in case where any gaming machine connected to the server wins a prize for awarding a progressive payout.

On the other hand, the progressive prize lottery process is carried out in the gaming machines or in the server. The following problem occurs in conventional game systems having a link progressive function when the progressive prize lottery process is carried out in each gaming machine.

Specifically, the winning probability used in the progressive prize lottery process differs depending on the various types of gaming machines. Accordingly, in a game system made up of a plurality of gaming machines of different types, the winning probability differs in each gaming machine, even if such gaming machines are part of the same game system. As a result, the game results at the gaming machine at which the player plays are more favorable/unfavorable than when the player plays at the other gaming machines even if such gaming machines are part of the same game system.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a game system wherein the final winning probability with respect to a progressive prize at each gaming machine can be regulated in the server by carrying out a two-stage lottery process in the respective gaming machine and the server, preventing occurrence of imbalance in game results amongst the gaming machines, even in the case the game system is made up of a plurality of gaming machines having differing progressive prize winning probabilities.

On the other hand, in the conventional game system having a link-progressive function, there is a case where plural gaming machines win a progressive prize virtually simultaneously. In this case, in the conventional game system, the first gaming machine which wins acquires the accumulated progressive payout, and any other gaming machine which wins later acquires only the progressive payout of initial value. Accordingly, even though the plural gaming machines win virtually simultaneously, the respective payouts which are paid out at each of the gaming machines are greatly different. This has caused a sense of unfairness.

Also, conventionally, there has been a game system having plural progressive payouts. In such a game system, each progressive payout has a different initial value or a different additional amount, and has a different accumulated amount, accordingly. Then, there is a case where plural gaming machines win different progressive prizes virtually simultaneously. In this case, in the conventional game system, the payout amounts are greatly different according to the progressive payout type that each gaming machine wins. Accordingly, even though the plural gaming machines win virtually simultaneously, the respective payouts which are paid out at each of the gaming machines are greatly different. This has caused a sense of unfairness.

Also, the chance is generally very low that a gaming machine wins a progressive prize. That is, the chance is extremely low that plural gaming machines respectively win a progressive prize nearly at the same time. Accordingly, there may be a problem that when plural gaming machines win progressive prizes virtually simultaneously, just paying out a progressive payout as usual would weaken the interest of a player toward the progressive payout.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a game system capable of preventing a sense of unfairness which may be caused among respective gaming machines by changing the payout amount from the amount of the progressive payout when plural gaming machines connected to the server respectively win a prize to award a progressive payout within a predetermined time lag, enabling the execution of a game having entertainment characteristics which could not be successfully achieved in conventional art.

SUMMARY

Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, according to a game system of the invention encompassing one or more aspects thereof, there is provided a game system. A game system comprises a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively to the plurality of gaming machines. Each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises an effect device that executes an effect, a bet operation portion that accepts a bet operation of a player, and a processor. The processor transmits bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server. The processor receives a first effect signal or a second effect signal that is transmitted from the server. When receives the first effect signal from the server, the processor executes a first effect by the effect device, the first effect announcing that a subject gaming machine having received the first effect signal wins a prize awarding a progressive payout. When receiving the second effect signal from the server, the processor executes a second effect by the effect device, the second effect announcing that a subject gaming machine having received the second effect signal does not win the prize awarding the progressive payout. The server is comprises a memory that stores a progressive payout at present, and a processor. The processor adds in the progressive payout stored in the memory, based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines. The processor executes a lottery for winning a prize awarding a progressive payout as to the plurality of gaming machines. If any of the plurality of gaming machines wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, the processor transmits the first effect signal to any of the plurality of gaming machines having won the prize. If any of the plurality of gaming machines wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, transmitting the second effect signal to gaming machines other than any of the plurality of the gaming machines having won the prize. Thereby, if any of the gaming machines wins a prize for awarding a progressive payout, an effect relating to the prize for awarding the progressive payout can be carried out in cooperation amongst the plurality of gaming machines. At the same time, the player playing at the winning gaming machine is notified that he/she won. Accordingly, a game having novel entertainment characteristics can be executed while preventing a player from losing interest in the progressive payout.

According to the invention encompassing one or more aspects, there is provided a game system. A game system comprises a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively to the plurality of gaming machines. Each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises a bet operation portion for accepting a bet operation of a player; and a processor. The processor transmits bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server. The processor executes a first stage lottery process for acquiring a winning right in respect of a prize awarding a progressive payout at a first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines. The processor transmits a lottery result of the first stage lottery process to the server. The processor receiving a winning signal transmitted from the server. The processor pays out, when receiving the winning signal from the server, a prize based on the winning signal received. The server comprises a memory storing a progressive payout at present; and a processor. The processor adds to the progressive payout stored in the memory based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines. The processor obtains the first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines as to the plurality of gaming machines. The processor sets a second winning probability for each of the plurality of gaming machines based on the first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines. The processor executes, when the lottery result of the first stage lottery process is received from a gaming machine among the plurality of gaming machines, as to which the first stage lottery process is executed, and the lottery result of the first stage lottery process received is acquiring of a winning right for the prize awarding the progressive payout a second lottery process for winning the prize awarding the progressive payout, to the gaming machine acquiring the winning right at the second winning probability set for the gaming machine. The processor transmits, when the gaming machine acquiring the winning right wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, a winning signal including information with respect to the progressive payout amount stored in the memory based on a lottery result of the second stage lottery process. Accordingly, the final winning probability with respect to a progressive prize at each gaming machine can be regulated in the server by carrying out a two-stage lottery process in the respective gaming machine and the server. It is thus possible to prevent occurrence of imbalance in game results amongst the gaming machines, even in the case the game system is made up of a plurality of gaming machines having differing progressive prize winning probabilities.

According to the invention encompassing one or more aspects, there is provided a game system. A game system comprises a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively with the plurality of gaming machines. Each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises a bet operation portion for accepting a bet operation of a player; and a processor. The processor transmits bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server. The processor receives a winning signal transmitted from the server. The processor pays out, when receiving the winning signal from the server, a payout amount based on information included in the winning signal. The server is comprises a memory storing each of a plurality of progressive payouts at present; and a processor. The processor adds to each of the plurality of progressive payouts stored in the memory based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines. The processor executes a lottery for winning a prize awarding a progressive payout as to the plurality of gaming machines. The processor calculates a payout amount being modified from each progressive payout to be awarded among the plurality of progressive payouts stored in the memory, when two or more gaming machines among the plurality of gaming machines respectively win a prize awarding any one of the plurality of progressive payouts within a predetermined time lag. The processor transmits a winning signal including information with respect to the payout amount calculated at the process (c) to each of the two or more gaming machines having respectively won a prize awarding a progressive payout. Thereby, if plural gaming machines win a prize for awarding a progressive payout within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount to be paid out is changed compared to one gaming machine wins the same prize for awarding the same progressive payout. Accordingly, a game having novel entertainment characteristics can be executed while preventing a player from losing interest in the progressive payout. The game system controls the payout amount so as not to prevent the feelings of unfairness among the gaming machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a progressive prize-winning effect process program according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of a game system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view concerning a variety of symbols according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing one example of reels according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of a server according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view concerning a configuration of a sub-control board installed in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with scroll-displayed symbols thereon according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with repositioned symbols thereon according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view concerning a payout table of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process program according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view concerning a winning judgment table for a progressive prize according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a main game process program according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing one example of tables which relates reel symbols to code numbers according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view showing one example of tables which relates code numbers concerning reels to random number values, according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a view showing the first effect and the second effect which are executed in a gaming machine, in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a view showing the first effect which is executed in a gaming machine, in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a view showing the second effect which is executed in a gaming machine, in the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a view showing the first effect and the second effect which are executed in a gaming machine, in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a view showing the first effect which is executed in a gaming machine, in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a view showing the second effect which is executed in a gaming machine, in the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a view showing one example of the first winning probability and the second winning probability set in each of four gaming machines A through D making up a game system;

FIG. 28 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 is an external view of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view concerning a variety of symbols according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing one example of reels according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of the server according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory view concerning a configuration of a sub-control board installed in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with scroll-displayed symbols thereon according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 37 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the main liquid crystal panel with repositioned symbols thereon according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38 is an explanatory view concerning a payout table of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a main control process program according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 40 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the fourth t embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 41 is an explanatory view concerning a winning judgment table for a progressive prize according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a main game process program according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 43 is an explanatory view concerning a progressive prize winning right acquisition judgment table according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view showing one example of tables which relates reel symbols to code numbers according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing one example of tables which relates code numbers concerning reels to random number values according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart of a progressive prize winning effect process program according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 47 is a flow chart of a winning effect and a losing effect executed by the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 48 is a view showing the winning effect executed by the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 49 is a view showing the winning effect executed by the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 50 is a view showing an example of a case where the first stage lottery process is carried out based on symbol combinations;

FIG. 51 is a view showing an example of a case where the first stage lottery process is carried out based on symbol combinations;

FIG. 52 is a flow chart illustrating a progressive payout management process program according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram illustrating a game system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the game system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 55 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram with respect to various symbols according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reel according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a control system of a server according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram with respect to a control system of the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram with respect to a configuration of a sub-control board installed in the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a main-liquid crystal panel display with symbols scroll-displayed in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 62 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a main-liquid crystal panel display with symbols repositioned in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram with respect to a payout table of the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 64 is a flow chart illustrating a main control process program according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram with respect to a winning discrimination table of a progressive prize according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of payout amount calculated in the server in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of payout amount calculated in the server in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 68 is a diagram illustrating an example of payout amount calculated in the server in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 69 is a flow chart illustrating a main game process program according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a table associating reel symbols with code numbers according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 71 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a table associating the code numbers concerning the reels with random number values according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 72 is a flow chart illustrating a progressive winning effect process program according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating a first winning effect and a first losing effect executed in the gaming machine in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 74 is a diagram illustrating the first winning effect executed in the gaming machine in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 75 is a diagram illustrating a second losing effect executed in the gaming machine in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 76 is a diagram illustrating a second winning effect, a third winning effect, and the second losing effect executed in the gaming machine in the fifth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 77 is a diagram illustrating the second winning effect executed in the fifth gaming machine in the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating a payout amount calculation process program according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 79 is a schematic diagram illustrating a game system according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a game system according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 81 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 82 is an explanatory view with respect to various symbols according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 83 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a reel according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 84 is an explanatory view illustrating a control system of a server according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 85 is an explanatory view with respect to a control system of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 86 is an explanatory view with respect to a configuration of a sub-control board installed in the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 87 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a main-liquid crystal panel display with symbols scroll-displayed in the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 88 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a main-liquid crystal panel display with symbols repositioned in the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 89 is an explanatory view with respect to a payout table of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 90 is a flowchart illustrating a main control process program according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 91 is a flowchart illustrating a progressive payout management process program according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 92 is an explanatory view with respect to a winning discrimination table for a progressive prize according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 93 is an explanatory view with respect to a contribution rank discrimination table based on a used credit amount according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 94 is an explanatory view with respect to a contribution rank discrimination table based on a payout ratio according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 95 is an explanatory view with respect to a payout change magnification reference table based on a payout ratio according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 96 is a flowchart illustrating a main game process program according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 97 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a table associating reel symbols with code numbers according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 98 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of a table associating the code numbers concerning the reels with random number values according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 99 is a flowchart illustrating a progressive prize winning effect process program according to the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 100 is a diagram illustrating a winning effect and a losing effect executed in the gaming machine in the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 101 is a diagram illustrating the winning effect executed in the gaming machine in the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 102 is a diagram illustrating the winning effect executed in the gaming machine in the sixth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 103 is a flowchart of a progressive-payout management process program according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 104 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 105 is an external perspective view of the game system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 106 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 107 is an explanatory view concerning a variety of symbols according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 108 is an explanatory view showing an example of a reel according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 109 is an explanatory view showing a control system of a server according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 110 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 111 is an explanatory view concerning a configuration of a sub-control board installed in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 112 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with scroll-displayed symbols thereon according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 113 is an explanatory view showing a display example of the main liquid crystal panel with repositioned symbols thereon according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 114 is an explanatory view concerning a payout table of a gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 115 is a flowchart of a main control process program according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 116 is an explanatory view concerning a winning judgment table of progressive prize according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 117 is a diagram showing a change mode of the progressive-payout according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 118 is a diagram showing a change mode of the progressive-payout according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 119 is a flowchart of a main game process program according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 120 is an explanatory view showing an example of a table which associates reel symbols with code numbers according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 121 is an explanatory view showing an example of a table which associates code numbers concerning reels with random number values, according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 122 is a flowchart of an event game execution process according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 123 is an explanatory view showing the display example of the main liquid crystal panel with scroll-displayed symbols thereon during the event game according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 124 is an explanatory view showing the display example of the main liquid crystal panel with repositioned symbols thereon during the event game according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 125 is an explanatory view concerning an event point table according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 126 is a flowchart of a progressive prize winning effect process program according to the embodiment of the seventh present invention;

FIG. 127 is a view showing a prize winning effect executed by the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 128 is a flow chart of a progressive-payout management process program according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 129 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 130 is an external perspective view of the game system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 131 is an external view of a gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 132 is an explanatory view concerning a variety of symbols according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 133 is an explanatory view showing an example of a reel according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 134 is an explanatory view showing a control system of a server according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 135 is an explanatory view concerning a control system of the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 136 is an explanatory view concerning a configuration of a sub-control board installed in the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 137 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with scroll-displayed symbols thereon according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 138 is an explanatory view showing a display example of a main liquid crystal panel with repositioned symbols thereon according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 139 is an explanatory view concerning a payout table of a gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 140 is a flow chart of a main control process program according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 141 is an explanatory view concerning a winning judgment table of progressive prize according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 142 is a diagram showing an example of payout amount calculated in the server according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 143 is a diagram showing an example of payout amount calculated in the server according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 144 is a diagram showing an example of payout amount calculated in the server according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 145 is a flow chart of a main game process program according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 146 is an explanatory view showing an example of a table which associates reel symbols with code numbers according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 147 is an explanatory view showing an example of a table which associates code numbers concerning reels with random number values, according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 148 is a flow chart of a progressive winning effect process program according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 149 is a view showing a first winning effect and a first losing effect executed by the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 150 is a view showing the first winning effect executed by the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 151 is a view showing a second losing effect executed by the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 152 is a view showing a second winning effect, a third winning effect and the second losing effect executed by the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 153 is a view showing the second winning effect executed by the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between items in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

A game system according to one or more aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. In this regard, the game system may be a virtual game system that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms “CPU”, “processor”, and “controller” are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

Hereinafter, the game system according to the invention will now be described in detail in a first to eighth embodiments relating to a game system, while referring to the drawings.

First Embodiment

The game system 100 according to the first embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, 4) gaming machines 1 and a server 91 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith. In the game system 100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 1. In the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

The server 91 carries out a lottery process, with respect to a gaming machine 1, from amongst the plurality of gaming machines, at which the gaming value was bet, to draw a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout each time gaming values are bet.

As a result, if a progressive prize is won at any gaming machine 1, various effects are executed (S32, S35). At S32, an announcement that a progressive prize is won is made at the winning gaming machine 1. At S35, an announcement that a progressive prize is not won is made at the non-winning gaming machines 1.

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, has a plurality of gaming machines 1 installed in a game arcade, a server 91 installed in the same game arcade and a network 101 which connects the gaming machines 1 with the server 91 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large screen display 102 is connected to the server 91. The gaming machines 1 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 91 is installed at a back side of the large screen display 102 as shown in FIG. 3. Inside the server 91 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulated amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 91 stores the respective accumulated amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 91 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 1 connected to the server 91 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 1 as will be described later, a part or all of the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 1.

The network 101 is made up of communication lines which allow two-way communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 1 and the server 91 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game, through the network 101. When a bet operation is carried out in the gaming machine 1 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 1 to the server 91.

If a progressive prize is won at any of the connected gaming machines 1, a payout amount based on an accumulated amount of the progressive payout accumulated till present and a first effect signal for announcing winning of a progressive prize are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 1 in a lottery process carried out in the server 91. A second effect signal for announcing that a progressive prize is not won is transmitted to all of the gaming machines 1 except the winning gaming machine 1.

Meanwhile, the large screen display 102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 1. The large screen display 102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 1. The large screen display 102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulated amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 1, etc) in the game system 100.

The plurality of gaming machines 1 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large screen display 102. Accordingly, in the game system 100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 1 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large screen display 102. The number of gaming machines 1 constituting the game system 100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 100 may include five or more gaming machines 1. Further, the type of the gaming machines 1 constituting the game system 100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 1 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 1 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 1.

Next, gaming machines 1 composing the game system 100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 1 composing the game system 100.

The gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 1 has a cabinet 2, a main door 3 and a topper effect device 4. The main door 3 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 2. The topper effect device 4 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 2.

The cabinet 2 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 1. The cabinet 2 has three reels (specifically, left reel 5, center reel 6 and right reel 7) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 5 through 7 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 6). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 90A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 11B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 5 though 7.

The main door 3 has an upper display portion 10A, a variable display portion 10B and a lower display portion 10C, as a display portion 10 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 10A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 11A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 10B. The upper liquid crystal panel 11A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance. More particularly, if a first effect signal is received from the server 91 at a gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a first effect (winning effect) announcing winning of a progressive prize is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A (refer to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20). In case a second effect signal is received from the server 91 at a gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, a second effect (losing effect) announcing a progressive prize is not won is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A (refer to FIG. 19 and FIG. 21).

The variable display portion 10B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 11B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 11B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 3.

The main liquid crystal panel 11B has three display windows 15, 16 and 17 formed therein (refer to FIG. 4). The gaming machine 1 renders the back side of the display windows 15, 16 and 17 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 5 through 7 via the respective display windows 15 through 17 (refer to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11).

As shown in FIG. 4, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 11B in the variable display portion 10B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 5 through 7 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that was repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 1 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that was bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 18 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 11B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 18. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 18 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 19 and a credit amount display portion 20 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 10B. The payout amount display portion 19 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount. The payout amount display portion 19 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display unit 20 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 10C is arranged below the variable display portion 10B. This lower display portion 10C is constituted of a plastic panel 11C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 10C, the plastic panel 11C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 25 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 2. The operation table 25 is arranged between the variable display portion 10B and the lower display portion 10C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 26 are arranged on this operation table 25. Operation buttons 26 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 25 has a coin slot 27 and a bill slot 28. The coin slot 27 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 2. The bill slot 28 accepts bills inside the cabinet 2.

In the game system 100 (i.e., including gaming machine 1) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 29 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 2. This coin tray 29 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 64. A light emitting portion 30 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 2 in gaming machine 1. The light emitting portion 30 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 31 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 2 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

Gaming machine 1 also has a topper effect device 4 provided at an upper side of cabinet 2. This topper effect device 4 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 10A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 1 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 90A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 90B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 90C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 90D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 90E (BAR) and a blank symbol 90F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 6). The reel bands of the left reel 5, the center reel 6 and the right reel 7 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing the game, gaming machine 1 can reposition the symbols while scrolling through the respective display windows 15 through 17 of the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

The blue seven symbol 90A through the bar symbol 90E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 11B. In this case, the gaming machine 1 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 12).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 91 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 91.

As shown in FIG. 7, the server 91 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 100.

More specifically, the server 91 has a server control CPU 92, a server control ROM 93 and a server control RAM 94. The server control ROM 93 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 93 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 13) and a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 14) as will be described later. The server control CPU 92 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 93. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in each gaming machine 1.

The server control RAM 94 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when executing the control program by the server control CPU 92. The server control RAM 94 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like are received from each gaming machine 1. Here, the game system 100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the 3 types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 94 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

The server 91 has a random number generation circuit 95, a sampling circuit 96, a clock pulse generation circuit 97 and a divider 98.

The random number generation circuit 95 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 92 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 96 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 95 in response to a command from the server control CPU 92. The sampling circuit 96 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 92. The clock pulse generation circuit 97 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 92. The divider 98 inputs to the server control CPU 92 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 91 has a communication interface 99. This communication interface 99 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and progressive prize winning results, etc.) with the gaming machines 1. As a result, the server 91 can control the gaming machines 1 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 93.

Next, the internal construction of the gaming machine 1 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, gaming machine 1 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 71 as a core. The main control board 71 has a controller 41 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 1 and FIG. 16).

The controller 41 has a main CPU 42, a RAM 43 and a ROM 44. The main CPU 42 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 49 to execute a program stored in the ROM 44. The main CPU 42 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 1. The RAM 43 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 42 is operational. For instance, the RAM 43 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 46 to be described later. The ROM 44 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 42.

More particularly, the programs stored in ROM 44 include a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program, etc.). Further, this game program also includes a lottery program. The lottery program serves to decide code numbers for each reel 5 through 7. These code numbers correspond to symbols each repositioned on the pay line L, as will be described later.

The main control board 71 has the controller 41, a random number generation circuit 45, a sampling circuit 46, a clock pulse generation circuit 47 and a divider 48.

The random number generation circuit 45 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 42 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 46 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 45 in response to a command from the main CPU 42. The sampling circuit 46 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 42. The clock pulse generation circuit 47 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 42. Then, the divider 48 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 42.

A reel driving unit 50 is connected to the main control board 71. This reel driving unit 50 has a reel position detecting circuit 51 and a motor driving circuit 52. The reel position detecting circuit 51 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 5, the center reel 6 and the right reel 7. The motor driving circuit 52 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 5 through 7, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 52. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 5 through 7, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 18 is also connected to the main control board 71. This touch panel 18 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 18 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 18 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 42 through the I/O port 49.

Operation buttons 26 are also connected to the main control board 71. As was already described, the operation buttons 26 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 26 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 42 through the I/O port 49 upon being held down.

A communication interface 68 is also connected to the main control board 71. This communication interface 68 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and results of progressive-prize lottery and the like) between the gaming machine 1 and the server 91.

The main control board 71 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 61, a hopper driving circuit 63, a payout completion signal circuit 65 and a display portion driving circuit 67.

The illumination effect driving circuit 61 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 30 and the topper effect device 4. The topper effect device 4 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 61 through the light emitting portion 30. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 30 and the topper effect device 4 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 1 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 based on the control of the main CPU 42. As a result, the hopper 64 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 29. The display portion driving circuit 67 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 19, the credit amount display portion 20 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, a coin detecting portion 66 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The coin detecting portion 66 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The payout completion signal circuit 65 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 66. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 42.

As shown in FIG. 9, a sub-control board 72 is connected to the main control board 71. This sub-control board 72 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 71. The sub-control board 72 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B and controls sound output by speaker 31 based on a command inputted from the main control board 71.

The sub-control board 72 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 73) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 73 has a sub-CPU 74, a program ROM 75, a work RAM 76, and I/O ports 77 and 80. The sub-CPU 74 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 71. The program ROM 75 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 74. The work RAM 76 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 74.

The sub-control board 72 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 74. Accordingly, the sub-control board 72 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 47, the divider 48, the random number generation circuit 45 and the sampling circuit 46 provided on the main control board 71.

The sub-control board 72 also has a sound source IC 78, a power amplifier 79 and an image control circuit 81. The sound source IC 78 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 31. The power amplifier 79 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 81 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B.

The image control circuit 81 has an image control CPU 82, an image control work RAM 83, an image control program ROM 84, an image ROM 86, a video RAM 87 and an image control IC 88. The image control CPU 82 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 73.

The image control program ROM 84 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B. The image control work RAM 83 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 82. The image control IC 88 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 82 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 11A and the main liquid crystal panel 11B. The image ROM 86 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 87 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 88.

Next, a description will be given on the slot game executed in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The slot game is executed separately in each gaming machine 1. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 5 through 7.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 26 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 5 through 7 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the reels 5 through 7 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 15 through 17 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 10).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 5 through 7 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions of the symbol columns (three symbols in each reel, a total of 9 symbols) drawn on each of the reels 5 through 7 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 15 through 17 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 11).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined type of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and payout (S22 through S28).

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the slot game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing the winning combinations and the payout amount for each winning combination according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 12 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 12.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 90A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 90A and red seven symbol(s) 90B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 90A and each red seven symbol 90B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 12 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 12), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 92 of the server 91.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 92 executes an initial setting process (S1). When the game system 100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 1.

In this initial setting process (S1), the server control CPU 92 executes initial setting of the server 91 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 42 of each gaming machine 1.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 1 activates its main control board 71 and the sub-control board 72 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 42 of each gaming machine 1 executes the BIOS stored in ROM 44 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 43. The main CPU 42 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 43 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 42 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 44 to the RAM 43 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 42 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 1 is completed, the server control CPU 92 shifts the process to S2.

After shifting to S2, the server control CPU 92 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 1. As will be described later, each gaming machine 1 can execute the slot game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 1, the server control CPU 92 shifts the process to S3.

After shifting to S3, the server control CPU 92 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S3), the server control CPU 92 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 100. For instance, the server control CPU 92 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, a winning lottery process to draw a progressive prize and a process relating to transmission of an effect instruction to the gaming machines 1. The progressive payout management process (S3) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S3) ends, the server control CPU 92 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 92 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 1, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 92 first judges whether the bet information is received (S11). This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 1. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 1 to the server 91 (S24) by executing a start acceptance process (S22) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S11: YES), the server control CPU 92 shifts the process to S12. Alternatively, if no bet information is received (S11: NO), the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

After shifting to S12, the server control CPU 92 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S12), the server control CPU 92 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 92 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 92 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 92 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout. Then, the server control CPU 92 shifts the flow to S13.

At S13, the server control CPU 92 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S13), a lottery for a progressive prize win is executed at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information has been transmitted. More specifically, the server control CPU 92 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 92 determines whether the result is winning a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, or not winning any progressive prize (in other words, losing), based on the table and the sampled random numbers.

Here, a process wherein random numbers are used in the progressive prize lottery process (S13) will now be described based on the drawings. FIG. 15 is one example of a table including associations between random numbers and winning contents.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S13), the server control CPU 92 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 65535). Thereafter, the server control CPU 92 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if a random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 92 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 14. Also, if a random number “17” is sampled, the server control CPU 92 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “17” and the table shown in FIG. 14. If a random number “211” is sampled, the server control CPU 92 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “211” and the table shown in FIG. 14. If a random number “23676” is sampled, the server control CPU 92 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “23676” and the table shown in FIG. 14.

Thereafter, at S14, as a result of the lottery process at S13, the server control CPU 92 judges whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted. If it is judged that a progressive prize is won in the gaming machine 1 from which bet information is transmitted (S14: YES), the flow shifts to S15. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S14: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S15, the server control CPU 92 identifies the gaming machine 1 which is the target for execution of effects relating to winning of a progressive prize. In the first embodiment, (a) the gaming machine 1 at which a progressive prize is won and (b) the gaming machines 1 arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won are identified as the targets for execution of effects relating to winning of a progressive prize. The adjacent gaming machines 1 may include gaming machines arranged at both adjacent sides of the winning gaming machine, or may include a gaming machine 1 arranged either at the right adjacent side or left adjacent side of the winning gaming machine 1.

Next, at S16, the server control CPU 92 transmits a first effect signal or a second effect signal with respect to the gaming machine 1 identified at S15. Here, the first effect signal serves to transmit an instruction for a first effect (winning effect) announcing that the gaming machine to which transmission of such signal is made has won a progressive prize. The first effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won. The first effect signal includes information on the payout amount based on the accumulated amount which is accumulated until present as a progressive amount (any of the “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” progressive amounts) corresponding to the won progressive prize.

Alternatively, the second effect signal serves to transmit an instruction for a second effect (losing effect) announcing that the gaming machine to which transmission is made has not won a progressive prize. The second effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 installed adjacent to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won.

The main CPU 42 of the gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal and the second effect signal are received executes effect processes (S32, S35) relating to winning of a progressive prize as will be described later.

Next, at S17, the server control CPU 92 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

Next, the main game process program executed in each gaming machine 1 constituting the game system 100 will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in gaming machine 1.

The slot game in gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to gaming machine 1.

In the following description, each gaming machine 1 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 1 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 91.

As shown in FIG. 16, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 42 judges whether a game start signal is received (S21). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 91 (S2). If a game start signal is received (S21: YES), the main CPU 42 shifts the process to S22. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S21: NO), the main CPU 42 puts the process in standby. Specifically, gaming machine 1 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S22, the main CPU 42 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S22), the main CPU 42 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating the BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 42 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 72. As a result, the display windows 15 through 17 of the main liquid crystal panel 11B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 72.

After shifting to S23, the main CPU 42 judges whether the start button was operated. More specifically, the main CPU 42 makes the judgment at S23 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button was operated (S23: YES), the main CPU 42 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S24. More specifically, the main CPU 42 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S22) in RAM 43. The main CPU 42 then transmits this bet information to the server 91. The main CPU 42 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S23: NO), the main CPU 42 returns the process to S22. As a result, the start acceptance process (S22) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S24, the main CPU 42 transmits the bet information to the server 91. This information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which is bet in the start acceptance process at S22. The server 91 then updates the respective 3 types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S12).

In the next process S25, the main CPU 42 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S25) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 11B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 42 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 42 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 5 through 7) positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S25) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 17 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 18 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 17) contains associations with respect to the left reel 5, the center reel 6 and the right reel 7.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S25), the main CPU 42 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 42 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 42 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 42 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 5 is the reel band constituted by symbols shown in FIG. 17 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 42 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 18. Then, the main CPU 42 decides the symbol positioned on the pay line L in display window 15 to be the bar symbol 90E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 17.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S25) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the corresponding table.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S25) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 16.

After the symbol lottery process (S25) ends, the main CPU 42 executes a reel rotation control process (S26). More specifically, the main CPU 42 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 52. As a result, reels 5 through 7 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 decides the effect pattern with respect to the unit game (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 11B and the sound output pattern from speaker 31) and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 72, etc. Gaming machine 1 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 72. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 42 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 42 stops reels 5 though 7 through the motor driving circuit 52. At this time, the main CPU 42 stops reels 5 through 7 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S25). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S25 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 42 ends the reel rotation control process (S26) following stopping of reels 5 through 7 and then shifts the process to S27.

After shifting to S27, the main CPU 42 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 12) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 42 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 5 through 7. If the winning combination is established (S27: YES), the main CPU 42 shifts the process to the payout process (S28). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S27: NO), the main CPU 42 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 42 executes the processes following process S21 once again.

At S28, the main CPU 42 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S28), the main CPU 42 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S28), the main CPU 42 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 42 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S21.

The processes S22 through S28 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the progressive prize-winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 1 constituting the game system 100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a flow chart of the progressive prize-winning effect process program in the gaming machine 1. The progressive prize-winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, once execution of the progressive prize-winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 42 judges whether or not the first effect signal is received (S31). If any of the progressive prizes is won at that gaming machine 1 as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 91 at S13, the first effect signal is transmitted from the server 91 (S16).

Then, if the main CPU 42 judges that the first effect signal is received (S31: YES), the flow shifts to S32. Alternatively, if the main CPU 42 judges that the first effect signal is not received (S31: NO), the flow shifts to S34.

At S32, the main CPU 42 executes a first effect (winning effect) announcing that the progressive prize is won. The first effect which is executed in the gaming machine will now be described using FIG. 19 and FIG. 20.

As shown in FIG. 19, once the first effect signal is received from the server 91, the main CPU 42 first displays a winning effect screen 104 on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A. The winning effect screen 104 includes three video reels 105 through 107 and a pay line L. Display of the video reels 105 through 107 in a scrolled manner starts simultaneously with display of the winning effect screen 104.

After the passage of a predetermined period of time, the video reels 105 through 107 stop automatically in order, from the left side. Here, the symbols which are displayed by the video reel 105 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 110 made up of character “W” and a blank symbol. The symbols which are displayed by the video reel 106 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 111 made up of character “I” and the blank symbol. The symbols which are displayed by the video reel 107 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 112 made up of character “N” and the blank symbol.

In the first effect, the symbol 110 made up of character “W”, the symbol 111 made up of character “I” and the symbol 112 made up of character “N” are finally displayed in a stopped fashion on the pay line L. The payout amount to be awarded (specifically, the progressive payout amount corresponding to the won progressive prize) is then displayed. Thereafter, the user is notified that a progressive prize is won at that gaming machine.

Then, at S33, the main CPU 42 executes a progressive prize payout process. In the payout process (S33), the main CPU 42 pays out to the player a progressive payout amount corresponding to the progressive prize which was won. Once the payout process (S33) ends, the main CPU 42 ends the progressive prize-winning effect process program.

Meanwhile, at S34, the main CPU 42 judges whether or not the second effect signal is received. This second effect signal is transmitted from the server 91, if, as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 91 at S13, another gaming machine 1 connected to the server 91 wins any of the progressive prizes and the concerned gaming machine 1 is identified at S15 as the gaming machine which is the target for execution of effects relating to winning of a progressive prize (S16).

If the main CPU 42 judges that the second effect signal is received (S34: YES), the flow shifts to S35. Alternatively, if the main CPU 42 judges that the second effect signal is not received (S34: NO), the progressive prize-winning effect process program ends.

At S35, the main CPU 42 executes a second effect (losing effect) announcing that the progressive prize is not won. Hereinafter, the second effect to be executed in the gaming machine will now be described using FIG. 19 and FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 19, the main CPU 42 first displays a losing effect screen 115 on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A, once the second effect signal is received from the server 91. The losing effect screen 115 includes three video reels 105 through 107 and a pay line L. Display of the video reels 105 through 107 in a scrolled fashion starts simultaneously with display of the losing effect screen 115.

After the passage of a predetermined period of time, the video reels 105 through 107 stop automatically in order, from the left side. Here, symbols which are displayed by the video reel 105 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 110 made up of character “W” and blank a symbol. The symbols which are displayed by the video reel 106 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 111 made up of character “I” and the blank symbol. The symbols which are displayed by the video reel 107 in a scrolled fashion include a symbol 112 made up of character “N” and the blank symbol.

In the second effect, first, the symbol 110 made up of character “W” and the symbol 111 made up of character “I” are displayed in a stopped fashion on the pay line L. This corresponds to a ready-to-win state. Then, the symbol 112 made up of character “N” is displayed in a stopped fashion at a location other than on the pay line L. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thereafter, the user is notified that no progressive prize is won at that gaming machine 1.

Display of the video reels 105 through 107 in a scrolled fashion and stopped fashion according to the first effect and display of the video reels 105 through 107 in a scrolled fashion and stopped fashion according to the second effect are carried out in synchronization. Accordingly, in the first effect and second effect, display of the video reels in a scrolled fashion is started simultaneously, and video reels which are at the same location at the same timing are stopped and displayed in order.

When the second effect execution process (S35) ends, the main CPU 42 ends the progressive prize-winning effect process program.

As was described earlier, in the game system 100 according to the first embodiment, 4 gaming machines 1 execute a game independently (S22 through S28). Then, the bet information relating to the bet amount bet in the gaming machine 1 is transmitted to the server 91 (S24).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 91 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S12). Further, a lottery for winning a progressive prize is drawn with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S13). If any of the progressive prizes are won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, the server 91 transmits a first effect signal to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won (S16). Further, the second effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 installed adjacent to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won (S16).

The gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal is received executes a first effect (winning effect) announcing that a progressive prize is won (S32). Meanwhile, the gaming machine 1 at which the second effect signal is received executes a second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won (S35). Thus, if any of the gaming machines wins a prize for awarding a progressive payout, an effect relating to the prize for awarding the progressive payout can be carried out in cooperation amongst the plurality of gaming machines. At the same time, the player playing at the winning gaming machine is notified that he/she won. Accordingly, a game having novel entertainment characteristics can be executed while preventing a player from losing interest in the progressive payout.

Second Embodiment

Next, the game system according to the second embodiment will be described based on FIG. 22. Numerical symbols which are the same as those used with respect to the game system 100 according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 21 as described above show configuration which is the same or corresponding parts of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of a game system according to the second embodiment is approximately the same as that of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment. The various types of control processes are also approximately the same as those executed in the game system 100 according to the first embodiment.

The game system according to the second embodiment differs from the game system 100 according to the first embodiment in the sense that the gaming machine which is the target for executing the effect relating to winning of a progressive prize is selected by lottery, in a case where a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines constituting the game system.

Hereinafter, a progressive payout management process program to be executed in a server control CPU 92 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 92 first judges whether the bet information was received (S101). This bet information shows the amount of the bet gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which are bet when the slot game is executed in the gaming machines 1. If the bet information is received (S101: YES), the server control CPU 92 shifts the process to S102. Meanwhile, if the bet information is not received (S101: NO), the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

At S102, the server control CPU 92 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S102), the server control CPU 92 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. Then, the server control CPU 92 shifts the flow to S103.

At S103, the server control CPU 92 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S103), a lottery for winning a progressive prize is carried out with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information was transmitted. The progressive prize lottery process (S103) executed at S103 is the same as the progressive prize lottery process (S13) executed in the first embodiment. Therefore, further description thereof is hereby omitted.

Thereafter, at S104, the server control CPU 92 judges whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted. If it is judged that any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S104: YES), the flow proceeds to S105. Meanwhile, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S104: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S105, the server control CPU 92 carries out a lottery process of selecting the gaming machine 1 which will be the target for executing the effect relating to winning of the progressive prize. More specifically, the server control CPU 92 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 92 selects the gaming machine 1 which will be the target for effect execution from the gaming machines other than the gaming machines at which the progressive prize is won, based on the sampled random values and a table not shown. The number of gaming machines to be selected may be one or more.

At S106, the server control CPU 92 identifies the gaming machine 1 which will be the target for executing effects relating to winning of the progressive prize. In the first embodiment, (a) the gaming machine 1 at which a progressive prize is won and (b) the gaming machine 1 selected in the lottery process at S105 are identified as gaming machines 1 which are the target for executing effects relating to winning of a progressive prize.

Next, at S107, the server control CPU 92 transmits a first effect signal or a second effect signal with respect to the gaming machine 1 identified at S106. Here, the first effect signal serves to instruct execution of the first effect (winning effect) announcing that a progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which this signal is transmitted. The first effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won. The first effect signal includes information concerning the payout amount based on the accumulated amount accumulated until the present, in the progressive payout (any of the “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” payouts) corresponding to the progressive prize thus won.

Meanwhile, the second effect signal serves to instruct execution of the second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which this signal is transmitted. The second effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 which is selected in the lottery process at S105.

The main CPU 42 of the gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal and the second effect signal are received executes the effect processes (S32, S35) relating to winning of the progressive prize as described above.

Next, at S108, the server control CPU 92 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

As was described above, in the game system 100 according to the second embodiment, the server 91 updates the 3 types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information, upon receiving the bet information (S102). Further, winning of the progressive prize is selected with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S103). If any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, the server 91 executes a lottery process for selecting the gaming machine 1 which will be the target for executing the effects relating to winning of the progressive prize (S105). Then, the first effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won (S107). Further, the second effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 selected by lottery (S107).

The gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal is received executes the first effect (winning effect) announcing that the progressive prize is won. In response, the gaming machine 1 at which the second effect signal is received executes the second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won. Thus, if a prize for awarding a progressive payout is won at any gaming machine, the effects relating to the prize for awarding the progressive payout can be executed in cooperation amongst the plurality of gaming machines. At the same time, a player who plays at the winning gaming machine can be notified that he/she won. Accordingly, it is possible to execute a game having novel entertainment characteristics, while preventing the player from losing interest in the progressive payout.

As the gaming machine 1 at which the effects is executed is selected at random by lottery, the player cannot estimate, when effect execution starts, which gaming machine has won the progressive prize. A huge sense of expectancy with respect to winning can be offered to the player when effect execution is started. Accordingly, it is possible to execute a game having entertainment characteristics which could not be successfully achieved in the conventional art.

Third Embodiment

Next, a game system according to a third embodiment will be described based on FIG. 23 through FIG. 26. Numerical symbols which are the same as those used with respect to the game system 100 according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 21 described above show configuration which is the same or corresponding parts of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment.

The schematic configuration of a game system according to the third embodiment is approximately the same as that of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment. The various types of control processes are also approximately the same as those executed in the game system 100 according to the first embodiment.

The game system according to the third embodiment differs from the game system 100 according to the first embodiment in the sense that an effect relating to winning of a progressive prize is executed in all gaming machines constituting the game system, in a case where a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines constituting the game system.

Hereinafter, a progressive payout management process program to be executed in a server control CPU 92 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 92 first judges whether or not the bet information was received (S201). This bet information shows the gaming value amount (i.e., bet amount) thus bet when the slot game is executed in each gaming machine 1. If the bet information is received (S201: YES), the server control CPU 92 shifts the flow to S202. Meanwhile, if the bet information is not received (S201: NO), the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

At S202, the server control CPU 92 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S202), the server control CPU 92 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the bet information thus received. Thereafter, the server control CPU 92 shifts the flow to S203.

At S203, the server control CPU 92 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S203), a lottery for winning a progressive prize is carried out with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted. The progressive prize lottery process (S203) executed at S203 (S203) is similar to the progressive prize lottery process (S13) executed in the first embodiment. Therefore, further description thereof is hereby omitted.

Then, at S204, the server control CPU 92 judges whether any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, as a result of the lottery process at S203. If it is judged that any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S204: YES), the flow proceeds to S205. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S204: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

Next, at S205, the server control CPU 92 transmits a first effect signal or a second effect signal with respect to each gaming machine connected to the server. Here, the first effect signal serves to instruct execution of a first effect (winning effect) announcing that a progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which the signal is transmitted. The first effect signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won. The first effect signal includes information of the payout amount based on the accumulated amount accumulated till the present in the progressive payout (any of the “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) corresponding to the progressive prize thus won.

Alternatively, the second effect signal serves to instruct execution of the second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which the signal is transmitted. The second effect signal is transmitted to all gaming machines 1 other than the gaming machines 1 at which the progressive prize is won.

The main CPU 42 of the gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal is received executes the first effect (winning effect) announcing that a progressive prize is won. The main CPU 42 of the gaming machine 1 at which the second effect signal is received executes a second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won.

Hereinafter, the first effect and the second effect executed in the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 24 through FIG. 26.

As shown in FIG. 24, the main CPU 42 first displays the winning effect screen 121 on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A, upon receiving the first effect signal from the server 91. Upon receiving the second effect signal from the server 91, the main CPU 42 displays a losing effect screen 122 on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A. Here, in the game system according to the third embodiment, the contents of the winning effect screen 121 and the losing effect screen 122 which are respectively displayed on all gaming machines 1 constituting the game system are linked. FIG. 24 shows an example wherein a progressive prize is won at the second gaming machine 1 from the right.

The winning effect screen 121 and the losing effect screen 122 respectively include a road 123. A car 124 runs on the road 123. The car 124 moves along the upper liquid crystal panel 11A of all gaming machines 1 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from left to right).

As shown in FIG. 25, in the first effect, the car 124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A. The payout amount to be awarded (specifically, the progressive payout amount corresponding to the progressive prize thus won) is thus displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 1 won the progressive prize.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, in the second effect, this process ends without the car 124 being stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 11A. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 1 has not won the progressive prize.

Next, at S206, the server control CPU 92 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout with respect to the progressive prize thus won as an initial amount. Then, the server control CPU 92 ends the progressive payout management process program.

As was described above, in the game system 100 according to the third embodiment, the server 91 updates the three type of progressive payout information based on the bet information thus received (S202), upon receiving the bet amount. Further, a lottery for drawing a win of a progressive prize is carried out with respect to the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted (S203). If any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1 from which the bet information is transmitted, the server 91 transmits the first effect signal to the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won (S205). Further, a second effect signal is transmitted to all gaming machines 1 other than the gaming machine at which the progressive prize is won (S205).

The gaming machine 1 at which the first effect signal is received executes a first effect (winning effect) announcing that a progressive prize is won. Alternatively, the gaming machine at which the second effect signal is received executes the second effect (losing effect) announcing that no progressive prize is won. Thus, if a prize for awarding a progressive payout is won at any gaming machine, the effects relating to the prize for awarding the progressive payout can be executed in cooperation amongst the plurality of gaming machines. At the same time, a player who plays at the winning gaming machine can be notified that he/she won. Accordingly, it is possible to execute a game having novel entertainment characteristics, while preventing the player from losing interest in the progressive payout.

Further, as effects are executed in all gaming machines, the player cannot estimate, when effect execution starts, which gaming machine has won the progressive prize. A huge sense of expectancy with respect to winning can thus be offered to the players playing at all gaming machines. Accordingly, it is possible to execute a game having entertainment characteristics which could not be successfully achieved in the conventional art.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the first through third embodiments, the server 91 carries out a lottery process to draw a win for the progressive prize with respect to the gaming machines 1. However, this lottery process may also be carried out in each gaming machine 1. This lottery may be carried out when the start button is depressed, for instance. If each gaming machine carries out a lottery process to draw a win for the progressive prize, the gaming machine 1 at which the progressive prize is won transmits the progressive prize signal to the server 91. The server 91 may transmit the first effect signal or the second effect signal to each gaming machine, after receiving the progressive prize signal.

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above-described processes. Further, the invention can also be realized as a program and a recording medium onto which such program is recorded that causes a computer to execute the game method.

Fourth Embodiment

The game system 1100 according to the fourth embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, four) gaming machines 1001 and a server 1091 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith. In the game system 1100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 1001. In the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

The gaming machine 1001 at which the gaming value was bet carries out a first stage lottery process for acquiring a prize winning right (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout. If the gaming machine 1001 acquires a progressive prize winning right, as a result of the first stage lottery process, the server 1091 carries out a second stage lottery process for winning a progressive prize.

As a result, if a progressive prize is won at any gaming machine 1001, a prize payout is made at the winning gaming machine 1001.

Here, the server 1091 sets the winning probability to be used in the second stage lottery process (hereinafter referred to as the second winning probability) with respect to each gaming machine, based on the winning probability to be used in the first stage lottery process (hereinafter referred to as the first winning probability). More specifically, a total winning probability which is a result of multiplying the first winning probability used in the first stage lottery process and the second winning probability used in the second stage lottery process is set to the same value in all gaming machines.

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. FIG. 28 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 1100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 28, has a plurality of gaming machines 1001 installed in a game arcade, a server 1091 installed in the same game arcade and a network 1101 which connects the gaming machines 1001 with the server 1091 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large screen display 1102 is connected to the server 1091. The gaming machines 1001 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 1091 is installed at a back side of the large screen display 1102 as shown in FIG. 29. Inside the server 1091 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulated amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 1091 stores the respective accumulated amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 1091 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 1001 connected to the server 1091 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1001 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1001 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 1001 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 1001 as will be described later, the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 1001.

A network 1101 is made up of a communication line which allows an interactive communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 1001 and the server 1091 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game, through the network 1101. When a betting operation is carried out in the gaming machine 1001 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 1001 to the server 1091.

If the gaming machine 1001 acquires the prize winning right for winning a progressive prize in the lottery process carried out in that gaming machine 1001, the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the prize winning right transmits to the server 1091 a prize winning right signal indicative of the fact that the prize winning right was acquired.

Meanwhile, if a progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the prize winning right in the lottery process carried out in server 1091, a payout amount based on an accumulated amount of the progressive payout accumulated till present and a prize winning signal indicative of the fact that a progressive prize is won are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 1001. A losing signal indicative of the fact that no progressive prize is won is transmitted with respect to all gaming machines 1001 other than the winning gaming machine.

Meanwhile, the large screen display 1102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 1001. The large screen display 1102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 1001. The large screen display 1102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulated amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 1001, etc) in the game system 1100.

The plurality of gaming machines 1001 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large screen display 1102. Accordingly, in the game system 1100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 1001 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large screen display 1102. The number of gaming machines 1001 constituting the game system 1100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 1100 may include five or more gaming machines 1001. Further, the type of the gaming machines 1001 constituting the game system 1100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 1001 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 1001 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 1001.

Next, gaming machines 1001 composing the game system 1100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 1001 composing the game system 1100.

The gaming machine 1001 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 1001 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 1001 has a cabinet 1002, a main door 1003 and a topper effect device 1004. The main door 1003 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 1002. The topper effect device 1004 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 1002.

The cabinet 1002 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 1001. The cabinet 1002 has three reels (specifically, left reel 1005, center reel 1006 and right reel 1007) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 1005 through 1007 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 32). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 1090A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 1011B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 1005 through 1007.

The main door 1003 has an upper display portion 1010A, a variable display portion 1010B and a lower display portion 1010C, as a display portion 1010 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 1010A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 1011A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 1010B. The upper liquid crystal panel 1011A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance. More particularly, if a winning signal is received from the server 1091 at the gaming machine 1001 according to the present embodiment, a winning effect announcing winning of a progressive prize is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A (refer to FIG. 47 through FIG. 49). In case a losing signal is received from the server 1091 at the gaming machine 1001 according to the present embodiment, a losing effect announcing a progressive prize is not won is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A (refer to FIG. 47 through FIG. 49).

The variable display portion 1010B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 1011B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 1011B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 1003.

The main liquid crystal panel 1011B has three display windows 1015, 1016 and 1017 formed therein (refer to FIG. 30). The gaming machine 1001 renders the back side of the display windows 1015, 1016 and 1017 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 1005 through 1007 via the respective display windows 1015 through 1017 (refer to FIG. 36 and FIG. 37).

As shown in FIG. 30, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 1011B in the variable display portion 1010B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 1005 through 1007 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that is repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 1001 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that has been bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 1018 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 1011B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 1018. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1018 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 1019 and a credit amount display portion 1020 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 1010B. The payout amount display portion 1019 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount in a base game. The payout amount display portion 1019 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display unit 1020 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 1010C is arranged below the variable display portion 1010B. This lower display portion 1010C is constituted of a plastic panel 1011C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 1010C, the plastic panel 1011C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 1025 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 1002. The operation table 1025 is arranged between the variable display portion 1010B and the lower display portion 1010C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 1026 are arranged on this operation table 1025. Operation buttons 1026 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 1025 has a coin slot 1027 and a bill slot 1028. The coin slot 1027 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 1002. The bill slot 1028 accepts bills inside the cabinet 1002.

In the game system 1100 (i.e., including gaming machine 1001) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 1029 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 1002. This coin tray 1029 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 1064. A light emitting portion 1030 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 1002 in gaming machine 1001. The light emitting portion 1030 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 1031 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 1002 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

The gaming machine 1001 also has a topper effect device 1004 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 1002. This topper effect device 1004 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 1010A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 1001 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 1001 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 31, the gaming machine 1001 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 1090A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 1090B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 1090C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 1090D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 1090E (BAR) and a blank symbol 1090F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 32). The reel bands of the left reel 1005, the center reel 1006 and the right reel 1007 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing the game, gaming machine 1001 can reposition the symbols while scrolling through the respective display windows 1015 through 1017 of the main liquid crystal panel 1011B.

The blue seven symbol 1090A through the bar symbol 1090E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 1011B. In this case, the gaming machine 1001 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 38).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 1091 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 1091.

As shown in FIG. 33, the server 1091 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 1100.

More specifically, the server 1091 has a server control CPU 1092, a server control ROM 1093 and a server control RAM 1094. The server control ROM 1093 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 1100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 1093 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 39) and a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 40) as will be described later. The server control CPU 1092 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 1093. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in the gaming machine 1001 acquiring the progressive prize winning right.

The server control RAM 1094 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like resulting from execution of the control program in the server control CPU 1092. The server control RAM 1094 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like is received from each gaming machine 1001. Here, the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment has 3 types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 1094 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

In the present embodiment, the second winning probability set in each gaming machine 1001 making up the game system 1100 is stored in the server control RAM 1094.

The server 1091 has a random number generation circuit 1095, a sampling circuit 1096, a clock pulse generation circuit 1097 and a divider 1098.

The random number generation circuit 1095 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 1092 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 1096 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 1095 in response to a command from the server control CPU 1092. The sampling circuit 1096 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 1092. The clock pulse generation circuit 1097 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 1092. The divider 1098 inputs to the server control CPU 1092 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 1091 has a communication interface 1099. This communication interface 1099 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and progressive prize winning results, etc.) with the gaming machines 1001. As a result, the server 1091 can control the gaming machines 1001 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 1093.

Next, the internal construction of the gaming machine 1001 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine 1001.

As shown in FIG. 34, the gaming machine 1001 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 1071 as a core. The main control board 1071 has a controller 1041 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 40 and FIG. 46).

The controller 1041 has a main CPU 1042, a RAM 1043 and a ROM 1044. The main CPU 1042 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 1049 to execute a program stored in the ROM 1044. The main CPU 1042 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 1001. The RAM 1043 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 1042 is operational. For instance, the RAM 1043 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 1046 to be described later. The ROM 1044 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 1042.

In particular, the programs stored in the ROM 1044 include game programs and game system programs (hereinafter referred to as game programs). Further, the game programs include two types of lottery programs. One type of lottery programs serves to determine the code numbers in reels 1005 through 1007. As will be described later, these code numbers correspond to the symbols which will be repositioned on the pay line L. The other type of lottery program serves to determine whether or not the progressive prize winning right is acquired.

The main control board 1071 has the controller 1041, a random number generation circuit 1045, a sampling circuit 1046, a clock pulse generation circuit 1047 and a divider 1048.

The random number generation circuit 1045 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 1042 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 1046 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 1045 in response to a command from the main CPU 1042. The sampling circuit 1046 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 1042. The clock pulse generation circuit 1047 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 1042. Then, the divider 1048 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 1042.

A reel driving unit 1050 is connected to the main control board 1071. This reel driving unit 1050 has a reel position detection circuit 1051 and a motor driving circuit 1052. The reel position detection circuit 1051 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 1005, the center reel 1006 and the right reel 1007. The motor driving circuit 1052 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 1005 through 1007, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 1052. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 1005 through 1007, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 1018 is also connected to the main control board 1071. This touch panel 1018 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 1018 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 1018 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 1042 through the I/O port 1049.

Operation buttons 1026 are also connected to the main control board 1071. As was already described, the operation buttons 1026 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 1026 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 1042 through the I/O port 1049 upon being held down.

A communication interface 1068 is also connected to the main control board 1071. This communication interface 1068 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and results of progressive-prize lottery and the like) between the gaming machine 1001 and the server 1091.

The main control board 1071 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 1061, a hopper driving circuit 1063, a payout completion signal circuit 1065 and a display portion driving circuit 1067.

The illumination effect driving circuit 1061 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 1030 and the topper effect device 1004. The topper effect device 1004 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 1061 through the light emitting portion 1030. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 1030 and the topper effect device 1004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 1001 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 1063 drives a hopper 1064 based on the control of the main CPU 1042. As a result, the hopper 1064 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 1029. The display portion driving circuit 1067 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 1019, the credit amount display portion 1020 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 34, a coin detecting portion 1066 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 1065. The coin detecting portion 1066 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 1064 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 1065. The payout completion signal circuit 1065 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 1066. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 1065 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 1042.

As shown in FIG. 35, a sub-control board 1072 is connected to the main control board 1071. This sub-control board 1072 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 1071. The sub-control board 1072 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A and the main liquid crystal panel 1011B and controls sound output by the speaker 1031 based on a command inputted from the main control board 1071.

The sub-control board 1072 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 1073) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 1073 has a sub-CPU 1074, a program ROM 1075, a work RAM 1076, and I/O ports 1077 and 1080. The sub-CPU 1074 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 1071. The program ROM 1075 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 1074. The work RAM 1076 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 1074.

The sub-control board 1072 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 1074. Accordingly, the sub-control board 1072 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 1047, the divider 1048, the random number generation circuit 1045 and the sampling circuit 1046 provided on the main control board 1071.

The sub-control board 1072 also has a sound source IC 1078, a power amplifier 1079 and an image control circuit 1081. The sound source IC 1078 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 1031. The power amplifier 1079 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 1081 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A and the main liquid crystal panel 1011B.

The image control circuit 1081 has an image control CPU 1082, an image control work RAM 1083, an image control program ROM 1084, an image ROM 1086, a video RAM 1087 and an image control IC 1088. The image control CPU 1082 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A and the main liquid crystal panel 1011B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 1073.

The image control program ROM 1084 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A and the main liquid crystal panel 1011B. The image control work RAM 1083 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 1082. The image control IC 1088 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 1082 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A and the main liquid crystal panel 1011B. The image ROM 1086 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 1087 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 1088.

Next, a description will be given on the slot game executed in the gaming machine 1001 according to the present embodiment. The slot game is executed separately in each gaming machine 1001. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 1005 through 1007.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 1026 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 1005 through 1007 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the reels 1005 through 1007 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 1015 through 1017 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 36).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 1005 through 1007 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions of the symbol columns (three symbols in each reel, a total of nine symbols) drawn on each of the reels 1005 through 1007 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 1015 through 1017 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 37).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined types of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and payout (S1022 through S1029).

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the slot game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing winning combinations and a payout amount for each winning combination according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 38 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 38.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 1090A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 1090A and red seven symbol(s) 1090B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 1090A and red seven symbol 1090B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 38 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 38), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 39 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 1092 of the server 1091.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 1100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 1092 executes an initial setting process (S1001). When the game system 1100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 1001.

In this initial setting process (S1001), the server control CPU 1092 executes initial setting of the server 1091 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 1042 of each gaming machine 1001.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 1001 activates its main control board 1071 and the sub-control board 1072 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 1042 of each gaming machine 1001 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 1044 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 1043. The main CPU 1042 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 1043 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 1042 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 1044 to the RAM 1043 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 1042 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 1001 is completed, the server control CPU 1092 shifts the process to S1002.

At S1002, the main CPU 1042 receives the first winning probability information transmitted from the gaming machines 1001 at which initial setting is completed. The first wining probability information thus received is then temporarily stored in the server control RAM 1094. The first winning probability information relates to the first winning probability used in the first stage lottery process (S1024) for acquiring the progressive prize winning right to be executed in the gaming machine 1001, as will be described later. The first winning probability information is received from all gaming machines 1001 connected to the server 1091. Then, the flow shifts to S1003. The first winning probability information may be stored in advance in the server control ROM 1093 and the server control RAM 1094. The first winning probability information may also be read out at S1002 by the server control CPU 1092, from the server control ROM 1093 and the server control RAM 1094.

Next, at S1003, the server control CPU 1092 sets the second winning probability to be used in the second stage lottery process (S1014) for each gaming machine 1001 connected to server 1091, based on the first winning probability information received at S1002. The second winning probability set in each gaming machine 1001 is stored in the server control RAM 1094. The second stage lottery process servers to draw a progressive prize win. This process is executed by server 1091 with respect to the gaming machine 1001 at which the progressive prize winning right is acquired as will be described later.

In the present embodiment, the server control CPU 1092 sets the second winning probability so that a total winning probability which is a result of multiplying the first winning probability which is used in the first stage lottery process by the second winning probability which is used in the second stage lottery process is set to the same value in all gaming machines 1001.

For instance, FIG. 27 is a view showing one example of the first winning probability and the second winning probability set in each of the four gaming machines A through E making up the game system. In the example shown in FIG. 27, the gaming machine A sets in advance the first winning probability to 1/200. The gaming machine B sets in advance the first winning probability to 1/500. The gaming machine C sets in advance the first winning probability to 1/400. The gaming machine D sets in advance the first winning probability to 1/250. Accordingly, the server 1091 sets the second probability rate of the gaming machine A to 1/10, the second probability rate of the gaming machine B to 1/4, the second winning probability of the gaming machine C to 1/5 and the second winning probability of the gaming machine D to 1/8. Thus, the total winning probability of any gaming machine A through D is set to 1/2000.

After shifting to S1004, the server control CPU 1092 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 1001. As will be described later, each gaming machine 1001 can execute the slot game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 1001, the server control CPU 1092 shifts the process to S1005.

After shifting to S1005, the server control CPU 1092 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S1005), the server control CPU 1092 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 1100. For instance, the server control CPU 1092 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, a winning lottery process to draw a progressive prize and a process relating to transmission of a winning or losing signal to the gaming machines 1001. The progressive payout management process (S1005) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S1005) ends, the server control CPU 1092 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 1092 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 40 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 40, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 1092 first judges whether the bet information is received (S1011). This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 1001. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 1001 to the server 1091 (S1025) by executing a start acceptance process (S1022) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S1011: YES), the server control CPU 1092 shifts the process to S12. If no bet information is received (S1011: NO), the server control CPU 1092 shifts the process to S1013.

After shifting to S12, the server control CPU 1092 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S1012), the server control CPU 1092 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 1092 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 1092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 1092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout. Then, the server control CPU 1092 shifts the flow to S1013.

At S1013, the server control CPU 1092 judges whether or not the prize winning right signal is received. Here, the prize winning right signal is transmitted from that gaming machine 1001 to the server 1091, if the progressive prize winning right is acquired at the gaming machine 1001 in the first stage lottery process (S1024) executed in each gaming machine 1001 (S1025). If the prize winning right signal is received (S1013: YES), the server control CPU 1092 shifts the flow to S1014. Alternatively, if the prize winning right signal is not received (S1013: NO), the server control CPU 1092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

At S1014, the server control CPU 1092 executes a progressive prize lottery process (second stage lottery process). This progressive prize lottery process (S1014) serves to draw a progressive prize win with respect to the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal is transmitted (e.g., gaming machine which acquired the progressive prize winning right). More specifically, the server control CPU 1092 executes the lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 1092 determines whether a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” is won, or no prize is won (i.e., losing result), based on the sampled random number and a table. The table to be used on the lottery process at S1014 differs depending on the second winning probability set at S1003. Specifically, the server 1091 respectively creates a table corresponding to a plurality of types of second winning probabilities and stores the result in advance in the server control ROM 1093. From amongst the second winning probabilities set at S1003, the second winning probability set in the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal is transmitted is read out from the server control RAM 1094. Then, the table corresponding to the second winning probability thus read out is read out from the server control ROM 1093 for use in the lottery process at S1014.

Here, a process using the random value in the progressive prize lottery process (S1014) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 41 is one example of a table used in the selection of the gaming machine at which the second winning probability is set to 1/4. In the selection using the table shown in FIG. 41, the probability of winning any progressive prize is set to 1/4.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S1014), the server control CPU 1092 executes the lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 399). Thereafter, the server control CPU 1092 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 1092 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal was transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 41. Also, if random number “7” is sampled, the server control CPU 1092 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal was transmitted, based on the random number “7” and the table shown in FIG. 41. If random number “21” is sampled, the server control CPU 1092 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal was transmitted, based on the random number “21” and the table shown in FIG. 41. If random number “236” is sampled, the server control CPU 1092 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal was transmitted, based on the random number “236” and the table shown in FIG. 41.

Thereafter, as a result of the lottery process at S1014, the server control CPU 1092 judges at S1015 whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal was transmitted. If it is judged that a progressive prize is won in the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal is transmitted (S1015: YES), the flow shifts to S1016. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 1001 from which the prize winning right signal is transmitted (S1015: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S1016, the server control CPU 1092 transmits a winning signal or a losing signal to each gaming machine 1001 connected to the server. Here, the winning signal serves to indicate that a progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which this signal is transmitted. The winning signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 1001 at which the progressive prize is won. The winning signal includes the accumulated amount which is accumulated until the present in the progressive payout (“MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) corresponding to the won progressive prize, to the winning signal, as information on the payout amount.

Alternatively, the losing signal serves to indicate that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine to which the signal was transmitted. The losing signal is transmitted to all gaming machines 1001 other than the gaming machine 1001 at which the progressive prize is won.

The main CPU 1042 of the gaming machine 1001 at which the winning signal and the losing signal are received executes effect processes (S1032, S1035) related to winning the progressive prize as will be described later.

Next, at S1017, the server control CPU 1092 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 1092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

Next, the main game process program executed in each of the gaming machines 1001 constituting the game system 1100 will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 42 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in a gaming machine 1001.

The slot game in the gaming machine 1001 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to the gaming machine 1001.

In the following description, each gaming machine 1001 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 1001 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 1091.

As shown in FIG. 42, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 1042 judges whether a game start signal is received (S1021). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 1091 (S1002). If a game start signal is received (S1021: YES), the main CPU 1042 shifts the process to S1022. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S1021: NO), the main CPU 1042 puts the process in standby. Specifically, the gaming machine 1001 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S1022, the main CPU 1042 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S1022), the main CPU 1042 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating the BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 1042 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 1072. As a result, the display windows 1015 through 1017 of the main liquid crystal panel 1011B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 1072.

After shifting to S1023, the main CPU 1042 judges whether the start button has been operated. More specifically, the main CPU 1042 makes the judgment at S1023 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button is operated (S1023: YES), the main CPU 1042 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S1024. More specifically, the main CPU 1042 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S1022) in RAM 1043. The main CPU 1042 then transmits this bet information to the server 1091. The main CPU 1042 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S1023: NO), the main CPU 1042 returns the process to S1022. As a result, the start acceptance process (S1022) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S1024, the main CPU 1042 executes a progressive prize winning right lottery process (first stage lottery process). In this progressive prize winning right lottery process (S1024), a draw is made on whether or not that gaming machine 1001 acquires a progressive prize winning right. More specifically, the main CPU 1042 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 1092 determines whether a progressive prize winning right is acquired, or no progressive prize winning right could be acquired (specifically, losing), based on the sampled random number and the table. The table used in the lottery process at S1024 differs depending on the first winning probability set in advance in the gaming machine 1001.

Here, the process using the random numbers in the progressive prize winning right lottery process (S1024) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 43 is one example of a table used in selecting the gaming machine at which the first winning probability is set to 1/500. In the lottery using the table shown in FIG. 43, the probability of acquiring a progressive prize winning right is set to 1/500.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S1024), the main CPU 1042 executes a lottery program to sample a random value from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 499). Then, the main CPU 1042 determines whether or not the winning prize right can be acquired based on the random value and the table including associations between the sampled random values.

For instance, if random number “0” is sampled, the main CPU 1042 determines that a progressive prize winning right is acquired in the gaming machine 1001, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 43. If random number [376] is sampled, the main CPU 1042 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 1001 based on the table shown in FIG. 43.

At S1025, the main CPU 1042 transmits the bet information to server 1091. This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (e.g., the bet amount) bet in the start acceptance process at S1022. The server 1091 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the bet information thus received (S1012).

If the progressive prize winning right is acquired at that that gaming machine 1001 at S1024, the main CPU 1042 transmits the prize winning right signal, in addition to the bet information, to server 1091. Here, the prize winning right signal serves to announce that a progressive prize winning right is acquired at the gaming machine from which that signal was transmitted. Upon receiving the prize winning right signal, the server 1091 executes the second stage lottery process (S1014) as was described earlier.

In the next process S1026, the main CPU 1042 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S1026) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 1011B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 1042 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 1042 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 1005 through 1007) to be positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S1026) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 44 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 45 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 45) contains associations with respect to the left reel 1005, the center reel 1006 and the right reel 1007.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S1026), the main CPU 1042 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 1042 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 1042 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 1042 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 1005 is the reel band constituted by symbols shown in FIG. 44 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 1042 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 45. Then, the main CPU 1042 decides the symbol to be positioned on the pay line L in display window 1015 to be the bar symbol 1090E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 44.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S1026) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the above tables.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S1026) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 44.

After the symbol lottery process (S1026) ends, the main CPU 1042 executes a reel rotation control process (S1027). More specifically, the main CPU 1042 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 1052. As a result, reels 1005 through 1007 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 1042 decides the effect pattern (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 1101B and the sound output pattern from speaker 1031) with respect to the unit game and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 1072, etc. Gaming machine 1001 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 1072. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 1042 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 1042 stops reels 1005 through 1007 through the motor driving circuit 1052. At this time, the main CPU 1042 stops reels 1005 through 1007 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S1026). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S1026 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 1042 ends the reel rotation control process (S1027) following stopping of reels 1005 through 1007 and then shifts the process to S1028.

After shifting to S1028, the main CPU 1042 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 38) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 1042 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 1005 through 1007. If the winning combination is established (S1028: YES), the main CPU 1042 shifts the process to the payout process (S1029). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S1028: NO), the main CPU 1042 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 1042 executes the processes following process S1021 once again.

At S1029, the main CPU 1042 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S1029), the main CPU 1042 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S1029), the main CPU 1042 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 1042 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S1021.

The processes S1022 through S1029 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the progressive prize-winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 1001 constituting the game system 1100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 46 is a flow chart of the progressive prize-winning effect process program in the gaming machine 1001. The progressive prize-winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 1001.

As shown in FIG. 46, once execution of the progressive prize-winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 1042 judges whether or not the winning signal is received (S1031). If any of the progressive prizes is won at that gaming machine 1001 as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 1091 at S1013, the winning signal is transmitted from the server 1091 (S1016).

Then, if the main CPU 1042 judges that the winning signal is received (S1031: YES), the process shifts to S1032. Alternatively, if the main CPU 1042 judges that the winning signal is not received (S1031: NO), the process shifts to S1034.

At S1032, the main CPU 1042 executes a winning effect announcing that the progressive prize is won.

Then, at S1033, the main CPU 1042 executes a progressive prize payout process. In the payout process (S1033), the main CPU 1042 pays out to the player a progressive payout amount corresponding to the progressive prize which was won. Once the payout process (S1033) ends, the main CPU 1042 ends the progressive prize-winning effect process program.

Meanwhile, at S1034, the main CPU 1042 judges whether or not the losing signal is received. This losing signal is transmitted from the server 1091, if, as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 1091 at S1013, another gaming machine 1001 connected to the server 1091 wins any of the progressive prizes (S1016).

If the main CPU 1042 judges that the losing signal is received (S1034: YES), the process shifts to S1035. If the main CPU 1042 judges that the losing signal is not received (S1034: NO), the progressive prize-winning effect process program ends.

At S1035, the main CPU 1042 executes a losing effect notifying a player of not winning a progressive prize. When the losing effect execution process (S1035) ends, the main CPU 1042 ends the progressive prize-winning effect process program.

Hereinafter, the winning effect and the losing effect executed in the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 48 through FIG. 49.

As shown in FIG. 47, the main CPU 1042 first displays a winning effect screen 1121 on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A, upon receiving a winning signal from the server 1091. Upon receiving a losing signal from the server 1091, the main CPU 1042 displays a losing effect screen 1122 on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A. Here, the contents of the winning effect screen 1121 and the losing effect screen 1122 which are respectively displayed on all gaming machines 1001 constituting the game system 1100 are linked. FIG. 47 shows an example wherein a progressive prize is won at the second gaming machine 1001 from the right.

The winning effect screen 1121 and the losing effect screen 1122 respectively include a road 1123. A car 1124 runs on the road 1123. The car 1124 moves along the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A of all gaming machines 1001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 48, in the first winning effect, the car 1124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A. The payout amount to be awarded is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 1001 has won a progressive prize.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 49, in the first losing effect, this process ends without the car 1124 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 1011A. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 1001 has not won the progressive prize.

As was described earlier, in the game system 1100 according to the present embodiment, the 4 gaming machines 1001 each independently executes a game (S1022 through S1029). The first stage lottery process for acquiring a progressive prize winning right is carried out using the first winning probability set in advance in the gaming machine (S1024). The bet information relating to the bet amount bet in the gaming machine 1001 and the lottery results of the first stage lottery process are transmitted to the server 1091 (S1025).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 1091 updates the progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S1012). A second stage lottery process for drawing a win for a progressive prize is carried out in the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the progressive prize winning right, using the second winning probability set based on the first winning probability (S1014). If the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the progressive prize winning right wins any of the progressive prizes, the server 1091 transmits a winning signal to the gaming machine 1001 at which the progressive prize is won (S1016).

The gaming machine 1001 at which the winning signal is received pays out to the player a progressive payout amount corresponding to the won progressive prize (S1033). As a result, the final winning probability with respect to the progressive prize at each gaming machine can be regulated in the server by executing the second stage lottery process in the gaming machine and the server.

The total winning probability acquired as a result of multiplying the first winning probability used in the first stage lottery process by the second winning probability used in the second stage lottery process is set to the same value in all gaming machines. This helps prevent the occurrence of imbalance in game results amongst the gaming machines, even in the case the game system is made up of a plurality of gaming machines having differing progressive prize winning probabilities.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the present embodiment, the lottery process (first stage lottery process) for acquiring a progressive prize winning right as executed in the gaming machine 1001 is carried out in a so-called mystery lottery wherein the draw is carried out independently from the symbol combinations. However, this lottery process may also be carried out based on symbol combinations.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 50, the gaming machine 1001 carries out a slot game using reels 1152 through 1154 having symbol strings including special symbols 1151 displayed as “Prog Chance”. The invention of this application can also be applied to a game system made up of slot machines at which the progressive prize winning right is acquired if three special symbols 1151 are displayed on the pay line L in a stopped fashion as shown in FIG. 51.

Here, it is assumed that the symbol strings drawn on the reels 1152 through 1154 are made up of 20 symbols including a blank symbol. It is also assumed one special symbol 1152 is included in each of the reels 1152 through 1154. In this case, the probability that the special symbol 1151 will be displayed on the pay line in a stopped fashion is set to 1/20 in the respective reels. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 51, the probability that the three special symbols 1151 will be displayed on the pay line in a stopped fashion (e.g., first winning probability) is 1/8000.

Generally, the number of special symbols 1151 and the number of symbols constituting the reel bands differ depending on the type of slot machine. Accordingly, in a game system made up of slot machines of different types, imbalances may occur in the game results amongst gaming machines in the same game system, assuming that the winning of the progressive prize is conditioned by display of the 3 special symbols 1151 on the pay line L in a stopped fashion. In this case, in the present invention, occurrence of imbalances in the game results amongst the gaming machines can be prevented by setting the second winning probability so that the total winning probability is set to the same value, even in the case the number of special symbols 1151 and the number of symbols constituting the reel bands differ from one another.

In the present embodiment, a description was given of the case that the gaming machine 1001 first carries out a lottery process (first stage lottery process) for acquiring a progressive prize winning right and then, the server 1091 carries out a process (second stage lottery process) for drawing a progressive prize win with respect to the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the progressive prize winning right. However, the sequence in which the lottery processes are carried out may also be reversed. Specifically, the server 1091 first carries out a lottery process (first stage lottery process) with respect to each gaming machine to acquire a progressive prize winning right. Then, a process (second stage lottery process) for drawing a progressive prize win may be carried out in the gaming machine 1001 which acquired the progressive prize winning right.

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for executing the above game method on a computer and a recording medium onto which this program is recorded.

Fifth Embodiment

The game system 2100 according to the fifth embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, four) gaming machines 2001 and a server 2091 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith. In the game system 2100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 2001. In the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

Each time gaming values are bet (S2013), the server 2091 carries out a lottery process, with respect to a gaming machine 2001, from amongst the plurality of gaming machines, at which the gaming value has been bet, to draw a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout.

As a result, if two or more gaming machines 2001 win a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag, the current accumulated payout of the progressive payout which is won is not to be the payout amount. Instead, the payout amount to be paid out to each gaming machine is newly calculated (S2016). The payout amount calculated thereat shall be the amount modified from the current accumulated amount of the progressive payout which is won.

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 53 and FIG. 54. FIG. 53 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 2100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 53, has a plurality of gaming machines 2001 installed in a game arcade, a server 2091 installed in the same game arcade and a network 2101 which connects the gaming machines 2001 with the server 2091 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large screen display 2102 is connected to the server 2091. The gaming machines 2001 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 2091 is installed at a back side of the large screen display 2102 as shown in FIG. 54. Inside the server 2091 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulated amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 2091 stores the respective accumulated amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 2091 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 2001 connected to the server 2091 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 2001 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 2001 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 2001 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 2001 as will be described later, a part or all of the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 2001.

The network 2101 is made up of communication lines which allow two-way communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 2001 and the server 2091 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game, through the network 2101. When a bet operation is carried out in the gaming machine 2001 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 2001 to the server 2091.

If a progressive prize is won at any of the connected gaming machines 2001, a payout amount based on an accumulated amount of the progressive payout accumulated till present and a winning signal for announcing winning of a progressive prize are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 2001 in a lottery process carried out in the server 2091. A losing signal for announcing that a progressive prize is not won is transmitted to all of the gaming machines 2001 except the winning gaming machine 2001.

Meanwhile, the large screen display 2102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 2001. The large screen display 2102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 2001. The large screen display 2102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulated amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 2001, etc) in the game system 2100.

The plurality of gaming machines 2001 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large screen display 2102. Accordingly, in the game system 2100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 2001 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large screen display 2102. The number of gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system 2100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 2100 may include five or more gaming machines 2001. Further, the type of the gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system 2100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 2001 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 2001 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 2001.

Next, gaming machines 2001 composing the game system 2100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 55 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 2001 composing the game system 2100.

The gaming machine 2001 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 2001 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 2001 has a cabinet 2002, a main door 2003 and a topper effect device 2004. The main door 2003 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 2002. The topper effect device 2004 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 2002.

The cabinet 2002 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 2001. The cabinet 2002 has three reels (specifically, left reel 2005, center reel 2006 and right reel 2007) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 2005 through 2007 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 56). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 2090A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 2011B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 2005 through 2007.

The main door 2003 has an upper display portion 2010A, a variable display portion 2010B and a lower display portion 2010C, as a display portion 2010 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 2010A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 2011A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 2010B. The upper liquid crystal panel 2011A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance. More particularly, if a winning signal is received from the server 2091 at the gaming machine 2001 according to the first embodiment, a winning effect announcing winning of a progressive prize is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A (refer to FIG. 73 through FIG. 77). In case a losing signal is received from the server 2091 at the gaming machine 2001 according to the second embodiment, a losing effect announcing a progressive prize is not won is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A (refer to FIG. 73 through FIG. 77).

The variable display portion 2010B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 2011B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 2011B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 2003.

The main liquid crystal panel 2011B has three display windows 2015, 2016 and 2017 formed therein (refer to FIG. 55). The gaming machine 2001 renders the back side of the display windows 2015, 2016 and 2017 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 2005 through 2007 via the respective display windows 2015 through 2017 (refer to FIG. 61 and FIG. 62).

As shown in FIG. 55, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 2011B in the variable display portion 2010B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 2005 through 2007 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that is repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 2001 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that has been bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 2018 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 2011B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 2018. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 2018 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 2019 and a credit amount display portion 2020 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 2010B. The payout amount display portion 2019 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount. The payout amount display portion 2019 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display portion 2020 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 2010C is arranged below the variable display portion 2010B. This lower display portion 2010C is constituted of a plastic panel 2011C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 2010C, the plastic panel 2011C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 2025 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 2002. The operation table 2025 is arranged between the variable display portion 2010B and the lower display portion 2010C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 2026 are arranged on this operation table 2025. Operation buttons 2026 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 2025 has a coin slot 2027 and a bill slot 2028. The coin slot 2027 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 2002. The bill slot 2028 accepts bills inside the cabinet 2002.

In the game system 2100 (i.e., including gaming machine 2001) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 2029 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 2002. This coin tray 2029 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 2064. A light emitting portion 2030 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 2002 in gaming machine 2001. The light emitting portion 2030 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 2031 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 2002 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

The gaming machine 2001 also has a topper effect device 2004 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 2002. This topper effect device 2004 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 2010A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 2001 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 2001 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 56, the gaming machine 2001 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 2090A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 2090B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 2090C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 2090D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 2090E (BAR) and a blank symbol 2090F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 57). The reel bands of the left reel 2005, the center reel 2006 and the right reel 2007 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing the game, gaming machine 2001 can reposition the symbols while scrolling through the respective display windows 2015 through 2017 of the main liquid crystal panel 2011B.

The blue seven symbol 2090A through the bar symbol 2090E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 2011B. In this case, the gaming machine 2001 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 63).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 2091 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 58 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 2091.

As shown in FIG. 58, the server 2091 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 2100.

More specifically, the server 2091 has a server control CPU 2092, a server control ROM 2093 and a server control RAM 2094. The server control ROM 2093 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 2100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 2093 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 64) and a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 52) as will be described later. The server control CPU 2092 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 2093. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in each gaming machine 2001.

The server control RAM 2094 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when executing the control program by the server control CPU 2092. The server control RAM 2094 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like are received from each gaming machine 2001. Here, the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the 3 types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 2094 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

The server 2091 has a random number generation circuit 2095, a sampling circuit 2096, a clock pulse generation circuit 2097 and a divider 2098.

The random number generation circuit 2095 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 2092 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 2096 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 2095 in response to a command from the server control CPU 2092. The sampling circuit 2096 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 2092. The clock pulse generation circuit 2097 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 2092. The divider 2098 inputs to the server control CPU 2092 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 2091 has a communication interface 2099. This communication interface 2099 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and progressive prize winning results, etc.) with the gaming machines 2001. As a result, the server 2091 can control the gaming machines 2001 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 2093.

Next, the internal construction of the gaming machine 2001 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 59 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine 2001.

As shown in FIG. 59, the gaming machine 2001 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 2071 as a core. The main control board 2071 has a controller 2041 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 69 and FIG. 72).

The controller 2041 has a main CPU 2042, a RAM 2043 and a ROM 2044. The main CPU 2042 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 2049 to execute a program stored in the ROM 2044. The main CPU 2042 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 2001. The RAM 2043 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 2042 is operational. For instance, the RAM 2043 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 2046 to be described later. The ROM 2044 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 2042.

More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 2044 include a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program, etc.). Further, this game program also includes a lottery program. The lottery program serves to decide code numbers for each reel 2005 through 2007. These code numbers correspond to symbols each repositioned on the pay line L, as will be described later.

The main control board 2071 has the controller 2041, a random number generation circuit 2045, a sampling circuit 2046, a clock pulse generation circuit 2047 and a divider 2048.

The random number generation circuit 2045 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 2042 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 2046 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 2045 in response to a command from the main CPU 2042. The sampling circuit 2046 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 2042. The clock pulse generation circuit 2047 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 2042. Then, the divider 2048 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 2042.

A reel driving unit 2050 is connected to the main control board 2071. This reel driving unit 2050 has a reel position detection circuit 2051 and a motor driving circuit 2052. The reel position detection circuit 2051 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 2005, the center reel 2006 and the right reel 2007. The motor driving circuit 2052 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 2005 through 2007, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 2052. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 2005 through 2007, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 2018 is also connected to the main control board 2071. This touch panel 2018 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 2018 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 2018 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 2042 through the I/O port 2049.

Operation buttons 2026 are also connected to the main control board 2071. As was already described, the operation buttons 2026 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 2026 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 2042 through the I/O port 2049 upon being held down.

A communication interface 2068 is also connected to the main control board 2071. This communication interface 2068 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and results of progressive-prize lottery and the like) between the gaming machine 2001 and the server 2091.

The main control board 2071 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 2061, a hopper driving circuit 2063, a payout completion signal circuit 2065 and a display portion driving circuit 2067.

The illumination effect driving circuit 2061 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 2030 and the topper effect device 2004. The topper effect device 2004 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 2061 through the light emitting portion 2030. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 2030 and the topper effect device 2004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 2001 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 2063 drives a hopper 2064 based on the control of the main CPU 2042. As a result, the hopper 2064 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 2029. The display portion driving circuit 2067 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 2019, the credit amount display portion 2020 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 59, a coin detecting portion 2066 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 2065. The coin detecting portion 2066 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 2064 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 2065. The payout completion signal circuit 2065 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 2066. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 2065 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 2042.

As shown in FIG. 59, a sub-control board 2072 is connected to the main control board 2071. This sub-control board 2072 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 2071. The sub-control board 2072 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A and the main liquid crystal panel 2011B and controls sound output by the speaker 2031 based on a command inputted from the main control board 2071.

The sub-control board 2072 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 2073) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 2073 has a sub-CPU 2074, a program ROM 2075, a work RAM 2076, and I/O ports 2077 and 2080. The sub-CPU 2074 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 2071. The program ROM 2075 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 2074. The work RAM 2076 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 2074.

The sub-control board 2072 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 2074. Accordingly, the sub-control board 2072 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 2047, the divider 2048, the random number generation circuit 2045 and the sampling circuit 2046 provided on the main control board 2071.

The sub-control board 2072 also has a sound source IC 2078, a power amplifier 2079 and an image control circuit 2081. The sound source IC 2078 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 2031. The power amplifier 2079 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 2081 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A and the main liquid crystal panel 2011B.

The image control circuit 2081 has an image control CPU 2082, an image control work RAM 2083, an image control program ROM 2084, an image ROM 2086, a video RAM 2087 and an image control IC 2088. The image control CPU 2082 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A and the main liquid crystal panel 2011B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 2073.

The image control program ROM 2084 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A and the main liquid crystal panel 2011B. The image control work RAM 2083 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 2082. The image control IC 2088 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 2082 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A and the main liquid crystal panel 2011B. The image ROM 2086 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 2087 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 2088.

Next, a description will be given on the slot game executed in the gaming machine 2001 according to the present embodiment. The slot game is executed separately in each gaming machine 2001. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 2005 through 2007.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 2026 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 2005 through 2007 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the reels 2005 through 2007 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 2015 through 2017 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 61).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 2005 through 2007 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions of the symbol columns (three symbols in each reel, a total of nine symbols) drawn on each of the reels 2005 through 2007 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 2015 through 2017 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 62).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined types of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and payout (S2022 through S2028).

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the slot game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing winning combinations and a payout amount for each winning combination according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 63 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 63.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 2090A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 2090A and red seven symbol(s) 2090B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 2090A and red seven symbol 2090B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 63 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 63), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 64 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 2092 of the server 2091.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 2100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 2092 executes an initial setting process (S2001). When the game system 2100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 2001.

In this initial setting process (S2001), the server control CPU 2092 executes initial setting of the server 2091 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 2042 of each gaming machine 2001.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 2001 activates its main control board 2071 and the sub-control board 2072 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 2042 of each gaming machine 2001 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 2044 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 2043. The main CPU 2042 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 2043 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 2042 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 2044 to the RAM 2043 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 2042 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 2001 is completed, the server control CPU 2092 shifts the process to S2002.

After shifting to S2002, the server control CPU 2092 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 2001. As will be described later, each gaming machine 2001 can execute the slot game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 2001, the server control CPU 2092 shifts the process to S2003.

After shifting to S2003, the server control CPU 2092 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S2003), the server control CPU 2092 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 2100. For instance, the server control CPU 2092 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, a winning lottery process to draw a progressive prize and a process relating to transmission of a winning or losing signal to the gaming machines 2001. The progressive payout management process (S2003) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S2003) ends, the server control CPU 2092 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 2092 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 52 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 52, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 2092 first judges whether the bet information is received (S2011). This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 2001. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 2001 to the server 2091 (S2024) by executing a start acceptance process (S2022) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S2011: YES), the server control CPU 2092 shifts the process to S2012. Alternatively, if no bet information is received (S2011: NO), the server control CPU 2092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

After shifting to S2012, the server control CPU 2092 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S2012), the server control CPU 2092 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 2092 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 2092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 2092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout. Then, the server control CPU 2092 shifts the flow to S2013.

At S2013, the server control CPU 2092 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S2013), a lottery for a progressive prize win is executed at the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information has been transmitted. More specifically, the server control CPU 2092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 2092 determines whether the result is winning a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, or not winning any progressive prize (in other words, losing), based on the table and the sampled random numbers.

Here, a process in which random numbers are used in the progressive prize lottery process (S2013) will now be described based on the drawings. FIG. 65 is one example of a table including associations between random numbers and winning contents.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S2013), the server control CPU 2092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 65535). Thereafter, the server control CPU 2092 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if a random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 2092 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 65. Also, if a random number “17” is sampled, the server control CPU 2092 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “17” and the table shown in FIG. 65. If a random number “211” is sampled, the server control CPU 2092 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “211” and the table shown in FIG. 65. If a random number “23676” is sampled, the server control CPU 2092 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “23676” and the table shown in FIG. 65.

Thereafter, at S2014, as a result of the lottery process at S2013, the server control CPU 2092 judges whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted. If it is judged that a progressive prize is won in the gaming machine 2001 from which bet information is transmitted (S2014: YES), the flow shifts to S2015. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S2014: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S2015, the server control CPU 2092 judges whether an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution in the gaming machine 2001 or not, namely, whether or not any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 2001 within a predetermined time lag. In this embodiment, a predetermined time lag represents a period of time during which an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is executed at a gaming machine 2001.

Here, the effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is executed during a predetermined time period (for instance, for 30 sec.) in all the gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system 2100 when a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system 2100, to be later described. The server control CPU 2092 measures a lapse of time from the point a winning signal and a losing signal are previously sent to gaming machines 2001, utilizing a timer installed inside the server 2091 and the like. Then, if the lapse of time measured is shorter than the time period needed to complete an effect (for instance, 30 sec.), it is judged that an effect with respect to the progressive prize is under execution. However, an interactive communication between the server 2091 and the gaming machines 2001 may be utilized to judge whether the effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution at a gaming machine 2001 or not.

If it is judged that an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2015: YES), namely, that any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 2001 within a predetermined time lag, the process shifts to S2016. Meanwhile, if it is judged that an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is not under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2015: NO), the process shifts to S2017.

At the above-described judgment process of S2015, the cases where it is judged that any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 2001 within a predetermined time lag (S2015: YES) includes a case where a progressive prize of a same kind (for instance, “MAJOR”) is won at a plurality of gaming machines within a predetermined time lag, and a case where progressive prizes of different kinds (for instance, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) are won at a plurality of gaming machines within a predetermined time lag.

At S2016, the server control CPU 2092 calculates a payout to be paid out at each of the gaming machines 2001 where the progressive prizes have been won within a predetermined time lag. In this embodiment, the server control CPU 2092 first calculates the sum amount of the respective payout amounts for the progressive prize won at each of the gaming machines, then divides the calculated sum amount by the number of gaming machine where the progressive prizes have been won so as to obtain a payout amount for each of the gaming machines. Accordingly, the same payout amount is paid out in each of the gaming machines.

Referring FIG. 66, an example will be described in which a jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 1,000 credits is won at a gaming machine A, and another jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 500 credits is won at a gaming machine B within a predetermined time lag. In this case, for the gaming machine A, 750 credits are calculated as a payout amount by subtracting 250 credits from 1,000 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won. Also, for the gaming machine B, 750 credits are calculated as a payout amount, by adding 250 credits to 500 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won. The sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines in a completely different timing and the sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to a gaming machine A and a gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines within a predetermined time lag are the same amount.

At S2016, a payout amount may be calculated as follows. For instance, a payout amount for each of the gaming machines may be obtained by respectively multiplying the payout amount of the progressive payout won at each of the gaming machines.

Referring to FIG. 67, another example will be described in which a jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 1,000 credits is won at a gaming machine A, and another jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 500 credits is won at a gaming machine B within a predetermined time lag. In this case, for the gaming machine A, 2000 credits are calculated as a payout amount, by multiplying 1000 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won by two. Also, for the gaming machine B, 1000 credits are calculated as a payout amount, by multiplying 500 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won by two. The sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines within a predetermined time lag is twice as much as the sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines in a completely different timing.

At S2067, a payout amount may be calculated as follows.

For instance, a payout amount for each of the gaming machines 2001 may be obtained by adding a predetermined amount respectively to the payout amount of the progressive payout that is won at each of the gaming machines 2001.

Referring to FIG. 68, yet another example will be described in which a jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 1,000 credits is won at a gaming machine A, and another jackpot prize having an accumulated amount of 500 credits is won at a gaming machine B within a predetermined time lag. In this case, for the gaming machine A, 1500 credits are calculated as a payout amount, by adding 500 credits to 1000 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won. Also, for the gaming machine B, 1000 credits are calculated as a payout amount, by adding 500 credits to 500 credits which are the amount of the progressive payout originally won. The sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines within a predetermined time lag is increased by 1000 credits compared with the sum amount of the payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B when prizes are won at both gaming machines in a completely different timing.

Next, at S2068, the server control CPU 2092 transmits a winning signal or a losing signal to each of the gaming machines 2001 connected to the server. Here, the winning signal serves to announce that the gaming machine to which transmission of such signal is made has won a progressive prize. The winning signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 2001 at which the progressive prize is won. The winning signal includes information of a calculated payout amount if a payout amount has been calculated at S2067. If the process of S2067 has not been executed, the winning signal includes information on the payout amount based on the accumulated amount which is accumulated until present as a progressive amount (any of the “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” progressive amounts) corresponding to the won progressive prize. Alternatively, the losing signal serves to announce that the gaming machine to which transmission is made has not won a progressive prize. The losing signal is transmitted to all the gaming machine 2001 other than the gaming machine 2001 at which the progressive prize is won. The main CPU 2042 of the gaming machine 2001 at which the winning signal or the losing signal is received executes an effect processes (S2033, S2034, S2037, S2039 and S2040) relating to winning of a progressive prize as will be described later.

Next, at S2018, the server control CPU 2092 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 2092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

Next, the main game process program executed in each of the gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system 2100 will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 69 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in a gaming machine 2001.

The slot game in the gaming machine 2001 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to the gaming machine 2001.

In the following description, each gaming machine 2001 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 2001 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 2091.

As shown in FIG. 69, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 2042 judges whether a game start signal is received (S2021). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 2091 (S2002). If a game start signal is received (S2021: YES), the main CPU 2042 shifts the process to S2022. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S2021: NO), the main CPU 2042 puts the process in standby. Specifically, the gaming machine 2001 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S2022, the main CPU 2042 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S2022), the main CPU 2042 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating the BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 2042 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 2072. As a result, the display windows 2015 through 2017 of the main liquid crystal panel 2011B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 2072.

After shifting to S2023, the main CPU 2042 judges whether the start button has been operated. More specifically, the main CPU 2042 makes the judgment at S2023 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button is operated (S2023: YES), the main CPU 2042 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S2024. More specifically, the main CPU 2042 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S2022) in RAM 2043. The main CPU 2042 then transmits this bet information to the server 2091. The main CPU 2042 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S2023: NO), the main CPU 2042 returns the process to S2022. As a result, the start acceptance process (S2022) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S2024, the main CPU 2042 transmits the bet information to the server 2091. This information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which is bet in the start acceptance process at S2022. The server 2091 then updates the respective three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S2012).

In the next process S2025, the main CPU 2042 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S2025) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 2011B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 2042 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 2042 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 2005 through 2007) to be positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S2025) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 70 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 71 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 70) contains associations with respect to the left reel 2005, the center reel 2006 and the right reel 2007.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S2025), the main CPU 2042 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 2042 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 2042 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 2042 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 2005 is the reel band constituted by symbols shown in FIG. 70 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 2042 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 71. Then, the main CPU 2042 decides the symbol to be positioned on the pay line L in display window 2015 to be the bar symbol 2090E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 70.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S2025) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the above tables.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S2025) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 69.

After the symbol lottery process (S2025) ends, the main CPU 2042 executes a reel rotation control process (S2026). More specifically, the main CPU 2042 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 2052. As a result, reels 2005 through 2007 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 2042 decides the effect pattern (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 2011B and the sound output pattern from speaker 2031) with respect to the unit game and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 2072, etc. Gaming machine 2001 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 2072. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 2042 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 2042 stops reels 2005 through 2007 through the motor driving circuit 2052. At this time, the main CPU 2042 stops reels 2005 through 2007 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S2025). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S2025 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 2042 ends the reel rotation control process (S2026) following stopping of reels 2005 through 2007 and then shifts the process to S2027.

After shifting to S2027, the main CPU 2042 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 63) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 2042 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 2005 through 2007. If the winning combination is established (S2027: YES), the main CPU 2042 shifts the process to the payout process (S2028). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S2027: NO), the main CPU 2042 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 2042 executes the processes following process S2021 once again.

At S2028, the main CPU 2042 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S2028), the main CPU 2042 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S2028), the main CPU 2042 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 2042 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S2021.

The processes S2022 through S2028 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the progressive prize-winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 2001 constituting the game system 2100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 72 is a flow chart of the progressive prize-winning effect process program in the gaming machine 2001. The progressive prize-winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 2001.

As shown in FIG. 72, once execution of the progressive prize-winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 2042 judges whether or not the winning signal is received (S2031). If any of the progressive prizes is won at that gaming machine 2001 as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 2091 at S2013, the winning signal is transmitted from the server 2091 (S2017).

Then, if the main CPU 2042 judges that the winning signal is received (S2031: YES), the flow shifts to S2032. Alternatively, if the main CPU 2042 judges that the winning signal is not received (S2031: NO), the flow shifts to S2035.

At S2032, the main CPU 2042 judges whether or not a losing effect notifying a player of not winning a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 2001. The losing effect starts at S2039 and S2040 to be later described, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a losing effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2032: NO), the process shift to S2033. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a losing effect is under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2032: YES), the process shifts to S2034.

At S2033, the main CPU 2042 starts a first winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize. At S2034, the main CPU 2042 starts a second winning effect notifying a player of winning the progressive prize, similarly. Then the main CPU 2042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program. The details of the first winning effect and the second winning effect will later be described.

Alternatively, at S2035, the main CPU 2042 judges whether or not the losing signal is received. This losing signal is transmitted from the server 2091, if, as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 2091 at S2013, another gaming machine 2001 connected to server 2091 wins any of the progressive prizes (S2017).

If the main CPU 2042 judges that the losing signal is received (S2035: YES), the flow shifts to S2036. Alternatively, if the main CPU 2042 judges that the losing signal is not received (S2035: NO), the progressive prize-winning effect process program ends.

At S2036, the main CPU 2042 judges whether or not a winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 2001. The winning effect starts at above-described S2033 and S2034, and later-described S2037, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a winning effect is under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2036: YES), the process shift to S2037. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a winning effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2036: NO), the process shifts to S2038.

At S2037, the main CPU 2042 starts a third winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize. Then the main CPU ends the progressive prize winning process program. The details of the third winning effect will later be described.

Meanwhile, at S2038, the main CPU 2042 judges whether a losing effect notifying a player of losing a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 2001 or not. The losing effect starts at later-described S2039 and S2040, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a losing effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2038: NO), the process shift to S2039. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a losing effect is under execution in the gaming machine 2001 (S2038: YES), the process shifts to S2040.

At S2039, the main CPU 2042 starts a first losing effect notifying a player of not winning a progressive prize. At S2034, the main CPU 2042 starts a second losing effect notifying a player of not winning the progressive prize, similarly. Then the main CPU 2042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program. The details of the first losing effect and the second losing effect will later be described.

At S2041, the main CPU 2042 judges whether a winning effect notifying a player of a progressive prize has ended at the gaming machine 2001 or not. The winning effect starts at above-described S2033, S2034 and S2037, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged a winning effect has ended at the gaming machine 2001 (S2041: YES), the main CPU 2042 executes a progressive prize payout process (S2042). In the payout process (S2042), the main CPU 2042 pays out to the player a progressive payout amount corresponding to the progressive prize which is won. Once the payout process (S2042) ends, the main CPU 2042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program.

The payout amount to be paid out at the above S2042 will be a payout amount calculated at the above S2016 if another gaming machine 2001 wins a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag. Meanwhile, if another gaming machine 2001 does not win a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount will be the accumulated amount until the present time in a progressive payout corresponding to the progressive prize which is won (any of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”).

If it is judged a winning effect has not ended in the gaming machine 2001 (S2041: NO), the progressive prize winning effect process program ends.

Hereinafter, the first winning effect and the first losing effect executed in the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 73 through FIG. 75.

As shown in FIG. 73, the main CPU 2042 first displays a first winning effect screen 2121 on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A, upon receiving a winning signal from the server 2091 when a losing effect is not under execution. Upon receiving a losing signal from the server 2091 when a winning effect or a losing effect is not under execution, the main CPU 2042 displays a first losing effect screen 2122 on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A. Here, in the game system according to the present embodiment, the contents of the first winning effect screen 2121 and the first losing effect screen 2122 which are respectively displayed on all gaming machines 2001 constituting the game system are linked. FIG. 73 shows an example wherein a progressive prize is won at the second gaming machine 2001 from the right.

The first winning effect screen 2121 and the first losing effect screen 2122 respectively include a road 2123. A car 2124 runs on the road 2123. The car 2124 moves along the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A of all gaming machines 2001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 74, in the first winning effect, the car 2124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A. The payout amount to be awarded is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 2001 has won a progressive prize.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 75, in the first losing effect, this process ends without the car 2124 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 2001 has not won the progressive prize.

Next, a second winning effect, a third winning effect and a second losing effect which are executed in the gaming machine 2001 will now be described with reference to FIG. 76 through FIG. 78.

For instance, FIG. 76 illustrates an example of upper liquid crystal panels 2011A after a gaming machine 2001 arranged second from the right has won a progressive prize and the first winning effect and the second winning effect illustrated in FIG. 73 are started, and in which a gaming machine 2001 arranged in the rightmost side newly wins a progressive prize.

In the example illustrated at FIG. 76, a second winning effect is newly started in the gaming machine 2001 located in the rightmost side, and a second winning effect screen 2125 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A.

Also, a third winning effect is newly started in the gaming machine 2001 located second from the right, and a third winning effect screen 2126 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A.

In addition, a second losing effect is newly started in the gaming machines 2001 located in the leftmost side and second from the left, and a second losing effect screen 2127 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A.

The second winning effect screen 2125, the third winning effect screen 2126 and the second losing effect screen 2127 are basically the same as the first winning effect screen 2121 and the first losing effect screen 2122 illustrated in FIG. 73, but are different therefrom in that the number of cars 2124, 2128 running on the road 2123 is plural (two cars in FIG. 76). The cars 2124, 2128 move along the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A of all gaming machines 2001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 77, in the second winning effect, the car 2128 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A. The payout amount to be awarded is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 2001 has won the progressive prize.

In the third winning effect, similarly to the first winning effect, the car 2124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A (refer to FIG. 74).

In the second losing effect, similarly to the first losing effect, this process ends without the cars 2124, 2128 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 2011A (refer to FIG. 75).

As was described earlier, in the game system 2100 according to the present embodiment, four gaming machines 2001 execute a game independently (S2022 through S2028). Then, the bet information relating to the bet amount bet in the gaming machine 2001 is transmitted to the server 2091 (S2024).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 2091 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S2012). Further, a lottery for winning a progressive prize is drawn with respect to the gaming machine 2001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S2013). As a result, if two or more gaming machines 2001 win a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag, the current accumulated payout of the progressive payout which is won is not to be the payout amount. Instead, the payout amount to be paid out to each gaming machine is newly calculated (S2016). The payout amount calculated thereat will be an amount modified from the current accumulated amount of the progressive payout which is won. Thus, if plural gaming machines 2001 win a prize for awarding a progressive payout within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount to be paid out is changed compared to one gaming machine 2001 wins the same prize for awarding the same progressive payout. Accordingly, a game having novel entertainment characteristics can be executed while preventing a player from losing interest in the progressive payout.

In case plural gaming machines 2001 win a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount will be calculated to pay equal payout amount to each of the gaming machines 2001, preventing the feelings of unfairness among the gaming machines.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the present embodiment, the server 2091 carries out a lottery process for winning a progressive prize with respect to the gaming machines 2001. However, this lottery process may also be carried out in each gaming machine 2001. This lottery may be carried out when the start button is depressed, for instance. If each gaming machine carries out a lottery process for winning the progressive prize, the gaming machine 2001 at which the progressive prize is won transmits the progressive prize signal to the server 2091. The server 2091 may transmit the winning signal or the losing signal to each gaming machine, after receiving the progressive prize signal.

In this embodiment, the predetermined time lag is the period of time in which the effect with regard to winning a progressive prize is executed, but the predetermined time lag may be a fixed length of time period which is set previously (e.g., 10 sec. or 20 sec.).

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for executing the above game method on a computer and a recording medium onto which this program is recorded.

Sixth Embodiment

The game system 3100 according to the sixth embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, four) gaming machines 3001 and a server 3091 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith. In the game system 3100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 3001. On the execution of the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

Each time a gaming value is bet, the server 3091 carries out a lottery process, with respect to a gaming machine 3001, from amongst the plurality of gaming machines, at which the gaming value has been bet, to draw a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout.

As a result, if any of the gaming machines 3001 wins a progressive prize, the server 3091 calculates the payout amount to be paid out at the gaming machine 3001 winning a prize, based on the accumulated amount of the progressive payout which is won (S3033). The payout amount calculated is modified based on the amount of the gaming value consumed at the gaming machine 3001 or the payout ratio and the like, namely, based on the contribution degree of the gaming machine 3001 to the game system 3100.

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 79 and FIG. 80. FIG. 80 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 80 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 3100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 79, has a plurality of gaming machines 3001 installed in a game arcade, a server 3091 installed in the same game arcade and a network 3101 which connects the gaming machines 3001 with the server 3091 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large screen display 3102 is connected to the server 3091. The gaming machines 3001 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 3091 is installed at a back side of the large screen display 3102 as shown in FIG. 80. Inside the server 3091 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulated amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 3091 stores the respective accumulated amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 3091 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 3001 connected to the server 3091 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 3001 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 3001 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 3001 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 3001 as will be described later, a part or all of the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 3001.

The network 3101 is made up of communication lines which allow two-way communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 3001 and the server 3091 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game, through the network 3101. When a bet operation is carried out in the gaming machine 3001 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 3001 to the server 3091.

If a progressive prize is won at any of the connected gaming machines 3001, a payout amount based on an accumulated amount of the progressive payout accumulated till present and a winning signal for announcing winning of a progressive prize are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 3001 in a lottery process carried out in the server 3091. A losing signal for announcing that a progressive prize is not won is transmitted to all of the gaming machines 3001 except the winning gaming machine 3001.

Meanwhile, the large screen display 3102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 3001. The large screen display 3102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 3001. The large screen display 3102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulated amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 3001, etc) in the game system 3100.

The plurality of gaming machines 3001 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large screen display 3102. Accordingly, in the game system 3100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 3001 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large screen display 3102. The number of gaming machines 3001 constituting the game system 3100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 3100 may include five or more gaming machines 3001. Further, the type of the gaming machines 3001 constituting the game system 3100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 3001 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 3001 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 3001.

Next, gaming machines 3001 composing the game system 3100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 81 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 3001 composing the game system 3100.

The gaming machine 3001 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 3001 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 3001 has a cabinet 3002, a main door 3003 and a topper effect device 3004. The main door 3003 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 3002. The topper effect device 3004 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 3002.

The cabinet 3002 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 3001. The cabinet 3002 has three reels (specifically, left reel 3005, center reel 3006 and right reel 3007) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 3005 through 3007 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 83). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 3090A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 3011B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 3005 through 3007.

The main door 3003 has an upper display portion 3010A, a variable display portion 3010B and a lower display portion 3010C, as a display portion 3010 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 3010A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 3011A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 3010B. The upper liquid crystal panel 3011A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance. More particularly, if a winning signal is received from the server 3091 at the gaming machine 3001 according to the first embodiment, a winning effect announcing winning of a progressive prize is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A (refer to FIG. 100 through FIG. 102). In case a losing signal is received from the server 3091 at the gaming machine 3001 according to the second embodiment, a losing effect announcing a progressive prize is not won is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A (refer to FIG. 100 through FIG. 102).

The variable display portion 3010B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 3011B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 3011B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 3003.

The main liquid crystal panel 3011B has three display windows 3015, 3016 and 3017 formed therein (refer to FIG. 81). The gaming machine 3001 renders the back side of the display windows 3015, 3016 and 3017 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 3005 through 3007 via the respective display windows 3015 through 3017 (refer to FIG. 87 and FIG. 88).

As shown in FIG. 81, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 3011B in the variable display portion 3010B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 3005 through 3007 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that is repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 3001 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that has been bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 3018 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 3011B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 3018. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 3018 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 3019 and a credit amount display portion 3020 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 3010B. The payout amount display portion 3019 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount. The payout amount display portion 3019 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display unit 3020 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 3010C is arranged below the variable display portion 3010B. This lower display portion 3010C is constituted of a plastic panel 3011C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 3010C, the plastic panel 3011C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 3025 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 3002. The operation table 3025 is arranged between the variable display portion 3010B and the lower display portion 3010C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 3026 are arranged on this operation table 3025. Operation buttons 3026 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 3025 has a coin slot 3027 and a bill slot 3028. The coin slot 3027 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 3002. The bill slot 3028 accepts bills inside the cabinet 3002.

In the game system 3100 (i.e., including gaming machine 3001) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 3029 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 3002. This coin tray 3029 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 3064. A light emitting portion 3030 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 3002 in gaming machine 3001. The light emitting portion 3030 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 3031 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 3002 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

The gaming machine 3001 also has a topper effect device 3004 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 3002. This topper effect device 3004 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 3010A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 3001 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 82 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 3001 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 82, the gaming machine 3001 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 3090A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 3090B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 3090C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 3090D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 3090E (BAR) and a blank symbol 3090F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 83). The reel bands of the left reel 3005, the center reel 3006 and the right reel 3007 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing the game, gaming machine 3001 can reposition the symbols while scrolling through the respective display windows 3015 through 3017 of the main liquid crystal panel 3011B.

The blue seven symbol 3090A through the bar symbol 3090E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 3011B. In this case, the gaming machine 3001 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 89).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 3091 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 84 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 3091.

As shown in FIG. 84, the server 3091 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 3100.

More specifically, the server 3091 has a server control CPU 3092, a server control ROM 3093 and a server control RAM 3094. The server control ROM 3093 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 3100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 3093 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 90), a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 91) and a progressive amount calculation process program (refer to FIG. 78) as will be described later. The server control CPU 3092 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 3093. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in each gaming machine 3001.

The server control RAM 3094 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when executing the control program by the server control CPU 3092. The server control RAM 3094 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like are received from each gaming machine 3001. Here, the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the 3 types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 3094 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

Also, the server control RAM 3094 stores the used credit amount information of each gaming machine 3001. The used credit amount information indicates a total credit amount which is bet (i.e., bet amount) which is bet when a slot game is executed at the gaming machine 3001. Accordingly, when bet information is received from each gaming machine 3001, used credit amount information is updated accordingly.

The server 3091 has a random number generation circuit 3095, a sampling circuit 3096, a clock pulse generation circuit 3097 and a divider 3098.

The random number generation circuit 3095 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 3092 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 3096 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 3095 in response to a command from the server control CPU 3092. The sampling circuit 3096 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 3092. The clock pulse generation circuit 3097 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 3092. The divider 3098 inputs to the server control CPU 3092 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 3091 has a communication interface 3099. This communication interface 3099 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and progressive prize winning results, etc.) with the gaming machines 3001. As a result, the server 3091 can control the gaming machines 3001 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 3093.

Next, the internal construction of the gaming machine 3001 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 85 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine 3001.

As shown in FIG. 85, the gaming machine 3001 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 3071 as a core. The main control board 3071 has a controller 3041 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 96 and FIG. 99).

The controller 3041 has a main CPU 3042, a RAM 3043 and a ROM 3044. The main CPU 3042 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 3049 to execute a program stored in the ROM 3044. The main CPU 3042 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 3001. The RAM 3043 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 3042 is operational. For instance, the RAM 3043 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 3046 to be described later. The ROM 3044 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 3042.

More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 3044 include a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program, etc.). Further, this game program also includes a lottery program. The lottery program serves to decide code numbers for each reel 3005 through 3007. These code numbers correspond to symbols each repositioned on the pay line L, as will be described later.

The main control board 3071 has the controller 3041, a random number generation circuit 3045, a sampling circuit 3046, a clock pulse generation circuit 3047 and a divider 3048.

The random number generation circuit 3045 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 3042 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 3046 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 3045 in response to a command from the main CPU 3042. The sampling circuit 3046 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 3042. The clock pulse generation circuit 3047 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 3042. Then, the divider 3048 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 3042.

A reel driving unit 3050 is connected to the main control board 3071. This reel driving unit 3050 has a reel position detection circuit 3051 and a motor driving circuit 3052. The reel position detection circuit 3051 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 3005, the center reel 3006 and the right reel 3007. The motor driving circuit 3052 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 3005 through 3007, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 3052. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 3005 through 3007, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 3018 is also connected to the main control board 3071. This touch panel 3018 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 3018 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 3018 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 3042 through the I/O port 3049.

Operation buttons 3026 are also connected to the main control board 3071. As was already described, the operation buttons 3026 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 3026 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 3042 through the I/O port 3049 upon being held down.

A communication interface 3068 is also connected to the main control board 3071. This communication interface 3068 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and results of progressive-prize lottery and the like) between the gaming machine 3001 and the server 3091.

The main control board 3071 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 3061, a hopper driving circuit 3063, a payout completion signal circuit 3065 and a display portion driving circuit 3067.

The illumination effect driving circuit 3061 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 3030 and the topper effect device 3004. The topper effect device 3004 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 3061 through the light emitting portion 3030. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 3030 and the topper effect device 3004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 3001 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 3063 drives a hopper 3064 based on the control of the main CPU 3042. As a result, the hopper 3064 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 3029. The display portion driving circuit 3067 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 3019, the credit amount display portion 3020 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 85, a coin detecting portion 3066 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 3065. The coin detecting portion 3066 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 3064 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 3065. The payout completion signal circuit 3065 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 3066. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 3065 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 3042.

As shown in FIG. 86, a sub-control board 3072 is connected to the main control board 3071. This sub-control board 3072 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 3071. The sub-control board 3072 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A and the main liquid crystal panel 3011B and controls sound output by the speaker 3031 based on a command inputted from the main control board 3071.

The sub-control board 3072 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 3073) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 3073 has a sub-CPU 3074, a program ROM 3075, a work RAM 3076, and I/O ports 3077 and 3080. The sub-CPU 3074 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 3071. The program ROM 3075 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 3074. The work RAM 3076 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 3074.

The sub-control board 3072 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 3074. Accordingly, the sub-control board 3072 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 3047, the divider 3048, the random number generation circuit 3045 and the sampling circuit 3046 provided on the main control board 3071.

The sub-control board 3072 also has a sound source IC 3078, a power amplifier 3079 and an image control circuit 3081. The sound source IC 3078 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 3031. The power amplifier 3079 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 3081 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A and the main liquid crystal panel 3011B.

The image control circuit 3081 has an image control CPU 3082, an image control work RAM 3083, an image control program ROM 3084, an image ROM 3086, a video RAM 3087 and an image control IC 3088. The image control CPU 3082 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A and the main liquid crystal panel 3011B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 3073.

The image control program ROM 3084 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A and the main liquid crystal panel 3011B. The image control work RAM 3083 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 3082. The image control IC 3088 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 3082 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A and the main liquid crystal panel 3011B. The image ROM 3086 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 3087 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 3088.

Next, a description will be given on the slot game executed in the gaming machine 3001 according to the present embodiment. The slot game is executed separately in each gaming machine 3001. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 3005 through 3007.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 3026 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 3005 through 3007 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the reels 3005 through 3007 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 3015 through 3017 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 87).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 3005 through 3007 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions (three symbols in each reel, a total of nine symbols) of the symbol columns drawn on each of the reels 3005 through 3007 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 3015 through 3017 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 88).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined types of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and payout (S3032 through S3038).

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the slot game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 89 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing winning combinations and a payout amount for each winning combination according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 89 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 89.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 3090A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 3090A and red seven symbol(s) 3090B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 3090A and red seven symbol 3090B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 89 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 89), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 3100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 90 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 3092 of the server 3091.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 3100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 3092 executes an initial setting process (S3001). When the game system 3100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 3001.

In this initial setting process (S3001), the server control CPU 3092 executes initial setting of the server 3091 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 3042 of each gaming machine 3001.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 3001 activates its main control board 3071 and the sub-control board 3072 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 3042 of each gaming machine 3001 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 3044 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 3043. The main CPU 3042 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 3043 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 3042 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 3044 to the RAM 3043 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 3042 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 3001 is completed, the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3002.

After shifting to S3002, the server control CPU 3092 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 3001. As will be described later, each gaming machine 3001 can execute the slot game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 3001, the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3003.

After shifting to S3003, the server control CPU 3092 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S3003), the server control CPU 3092 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 3100. For instance, the server control CPU 3092 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, an update process to update the used credit amount information, a winning lottery process to draw a progressive prize a calculation process of a payout amount and a process relating to transmission of a winning signal or a losing signal instruction to the gaming machines 3001. The progressive payout management process (S3003) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S3003) ends, the server control CPU 3092 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 3092 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 91 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 91, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 3092 first judges whether the bet information is received (S3011). This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 3001. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 3001 to the server 3091 (S3034) by executing a start acceptance process (S3032) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S3011: YES), the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3012. Alternatively, if no bet information is received (S3011: NO), the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3013.

After shifting to S3012, the server control CPU 3092 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S3012), the server control CPU 3092 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 3092 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 3092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 3092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout.

In addition, at S3012, the server control CPU 3092 updates the used credit amount of the gaming machine which has transmitted the bet information. Specifically, the server control CPU 3092 reads out the used credit amount information of the gaming machine which has transmitted the bet information from the server control RAM 3094, accumulatively adds the credit amount designated by the received bet information thereto, and stores the used credit amount information again in the server control RAM 3094. As a result, the used credit amount information of the corresponding gaming machine 3001 is updated. Then, after updating the progressive payout information and the used credit amount information, the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3015.

At S3013, the server control CPU 3092 judges whether the initialization signal has been received or not. The initialization signal is transmitted from a gaming machine 3001 when no bet is made to a base game during a predetermined period or a player card inserted in the gaming machine 3001 is ejected. The initialization signal is a signal instructing the initialization of used credit information. If the initialization signal is received (S3013: YES), the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3014. Meanwhile, if the initialization signal is not received (S3013: NO), the server control CPU 3092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

At S3014, the server control CPU 3092 initialize used credit amount information. At S3014, based on the received initialization signal, the server control CPU 3092 first identifies the gaming machine 3001 which has transmitted the initialization signal. Then, the server control CPU 3092 initializes the used credit amount information corresponding to the identified gaming machine 3001. As a result, the used credit information with respect to the gaming machine 3001 indicates “used credit amount: 0”. Accordingly, when a player who plays at the gaming machine 3001 has been changed, the server control CPU 3092 can calculate the credit amount used by the current player, without taking over the record of the previous player. Thus, it becomes possible to obtain a more accurate contribution degree.

After initializing the used credit amount information, the server control CPU 3092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

At S3013, the server control CPU 3092 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S3015), a lottery for a progressive prize win is executed at the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information has been transmitted. More specifically, the server control CPU 3092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 3092 determines whether the result is winning a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, or not winning any progressive prize (in other words, losing), based on the table and the sampled random numbers.

Here, a process in which random numbers are used in the progressive prize lottery process (S3015) will now be described based on the drawings. FIG. 92 is one example of a table including associations between random numbers and winning contents.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S3015), the server control CPU 3092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 65535). Thereafter, the server control CPU 3092 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if a random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 3092 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 92. Also, if a random number “17” is sampled, the server control CPU 3092 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “17” and the table shown in FIG. 92. If a random number “211” is sampled, the server control CPU 3092 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “211” and the table shown in FIG. 92. If a random number “23676” is sampled, the server control CPU 3092 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “23676” and the table shown in FIG. 92.

Thereafter, at S3016, as a result of the lottery process at S3015, the server control CPU 3092 judges whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted. If it is judged that a progressive prize is won in the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S3016: YES), a payout amount calculation process (S3017) is executed in which a payout amount to the progressive prize is calculated. The details of this payout amount calculation process (S3017) will later be described. After ending the payout amount calculation process (S3017), the server control CPU 3092 shifts to S3018. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 3001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S3016: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S3018, the server control CPU 3092 transmits a winning signal or a losing signal to each or the gaming machines 3001 connected to the server 3091. A winning signal here represents a signal announcing the winning of a progressive prize at the gaming machine 3001 to which the signal is transmitted. The winning signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 3001 winning the progressive prize. The winning signal includes the information with respect to the payout amount calculated at the above S3017.

Meanwhile, a losing signal represents a signal announcing the losing of a progressive prize at the gaming machine 3001 to which the signal is transmitted. The losing signal is transmitted to every gaming machine 3001 except the gaming machine 3001 winning a progressive prize.

The main CPU 3042 of the gaming machine 3001 which has received a winning signal or a losing signal executes an effect process with respect to the winning of the progressive prize as later described (S3042, S3045).

Next, at S3019, the server control CPU 3092 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 3092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

Next, a payout amount calculation process program executed at the server control CPU 3092 is described while referring to the drawings. FIG. 78 is a flowchart of the payout amount calculation process program.

As illustrated in FIG. 78, following the start of the payout amount calculation process program, the server control CPU 3092 first executes a used credit amount read process (S3021). At the used credit amount read process (S3021), the server control CPU 3092 reads out the credit amount used at the gaming machine 3001 winning the progressive prize from the server control RAM 3094. The gaming machine 3001 winning a progressive prize is identified based on the lottery result of the lottery process at S3015. After reading out the credit amount used at the gaming machine 3001 winning the progressive prize, the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3022.

At S3022, the server control CPU 3092 executes a contribution rank specification process. At the contribution rank specification process (S3022), the server control CPU 3092 specifies the contribution rank of the gaming machine winning a progressive prize based on the used credit amount thereof. When specifying the contribution rank, the overall control CPU 3092 references the contribution rank reference table. After specifying the contribution rank of the gaming machine winning a progressive prize, the server control CPU 3092 shifts the process to S3023.

The contents of the contribution rank specification process (S3022) will next be described in detail by referring to the drawing. FIG. 93 is an explanatory view with respect to the contribution rank reference table which specifies a contribution degree based on a bet amount bet by a player.

In the present embodiment, the contribution rank shows the player's contribution with respect to the profits of the game system 3100. More specifically, the contribution rank is decided based on a total amount of bet (i.e., used credit amount) bet by the player during the base game in the above gaming machine 3001.

As shown in FIG. 93, three types of contribution ranks are set in the game system 3100. The contribution ranks (i.e., “RANK 1”, “RANK 2” and “RANK 3”) are each associated with a numerical range of the used credit amount. Accordingly, the server control CPU 3092 can specify the contribution rank of a gaming machine winning a progressive prize based on the used credit amount information of the gaming machine.

The process contents of the contribution rank specification process (S3022) will now be described in detail using an example in which a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine whose used credit amount is “500”. In this case, the server control CPU 3092 first references the used credit amount information of the corresponding gaming machine. The server control CPU 3092 then specifies the contribution rank of the gaming machine based on the used credit amount information (used credit amount: 500) and the contribution rank reference table. As illustrated in FIG. 93, “used credit amount: 450 or over” is associated to “contribution rank: RANK 1” of the contribution rank reference table. Therefore, in this example, the server CPU 3092 specifies the contribution rank of the gaming machine as “contribution rank: RANK 1”.

The contribution rank may be specified based on a payout ratio. FIG. 94 is an explanatory view with respect to the contribution rank specification table for specifying a contribution degree based on a payout ratio of a gaming machine.

As illustrated in FIG. 94, each of the contribution ranks (i.e., “RANK 1”, “RANK 2” and “RANK 3”) is associated with a numerical range of the payout ratio. Accordingly, the server control CPU 3092 first calculates the payout ratio of the gaming machine winning a progressive prize based on the used credit amount information and the payout information of the gaming machine. Then, the contribution rank can be specified based on the calculated payout rate.

After shifting to S3023, the server control CPU 3092 calculates the payout amount to be paid out to the gaming machine winning the progressive prize based on the contribution rank specified at S3022, the accumulated amount of the progressive payout and the payout change magnification reference table.

Here, the contents of the process of the above-described S3023 will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 95 is an explanatory view with respect to a payout change magnification reference table.

As illustrated in FIG. 95, the payout change magnification reference table relates each of the contribution ranks (“RANK 1” to “RANK 3”) to the respective contribution ratio (“×1.0” to “×1.5”). Accordingly, the server control CPU 3092 first determines the payout magnification ratio based on the contribution rank with respect to the gaming machine winning the progressive prize and the payout change magnification reference table. Then the server control CPU 3092 multiplies by the corresponding payout magnification ratio the accumulated amount currently accumulated in the progressive payout (any one of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) corresponding to the progressive prize the gaming machine 3001 wins. The calculated amount is regarded as the payout amount to be paid out to the gaming machine winning the progressive prize. Thus, the payout amount to be paid out to the gaming machine winning the progressive payout is modified based on the contribution degree of the corresponding gaming machine 3001.

For instance, if the contribution rank specified at the above S3022 is “RANK 1”, the server control CPU 3092 determines the payout magnification rate of “×1.5”. Then the server control CPU 3092 multiplies the accumulative amount of the current progressive payout by the payout magnification ratio. Accordingly, the payout amount to be paid out at the gaming machine is modified to “the amount corresponding to 150 percent of the progressive payout”.

Next, the main game process program executed in each of the gaming machines 3001 constituting the game system 3100 will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 96 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in a gaming machine 3001.

The slot game in the gaming machine 3001 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to the gaming machine 3001.

In the following description, each gaming machine 3001 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 3001 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 3091.

As shown in FIG. 96, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 3042 judges whether a game start signal is received (S3031). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 3091 (S3002). If a game start signal is received (S3031: YES), the main CPU 3042 shifts the process to S3032. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S3031: NO), the main CPU 3042 puts the process in standby. Specifically, the gaming machine 3001 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S3032, the main CPU 3042 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S3032), the main CPU 3042 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating the BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 3042 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 3072. As a result, the display windows 3015 through 3017 of the main liquid crystal panel 3011B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 3072.

After shifting to S3033, the main CPU 3042 judges whether the start button has been operated. More specifically, the main CPU 3042 makes the judgment at S3033 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button is operated (S3033: YES), the main CPU 3042 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S3034. More specifically, the main CPU 3042 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S3032) in RAM 3043. The main CPU 3042 then transmits this bet information to the server 3091. The main CPU 3042 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S3033: NO), the main CPU 3042 returns the process to S3032. As a result, the start acceptance process (S3032) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S3034, the main CPU 3042 transmits the bet information to the server 3091. This information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which is bet in the start acceptance process at S3032. The server 3091 then updates the respective three types of progressive payout information and the used credit amount information based on the received bet information (S3012).

In the next process S3035, the main CPU 3042 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S3035) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 3011B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 3042 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 3042 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 3005 through 3007) to be positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S3035) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 97 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 98 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 97) contains associations with respect to the left reel 3005, the center reel 3006 and the right reel 3007.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S3035), the main CPU 3042 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 3042 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 3042 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 3042 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 3005 is the reel band constituted by symbols shown in FIG. 97 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 3042 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 98. Then, the main CPU 3042 decides the symbol to be positioned on the pay line L in display window 3015 to be the bar symbol 3090E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 97.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S3035) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the above tables.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S3035) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 96.

After the symbol lottery process (S3035) ends, the main CPU 3042 executes a reel rotation control process (S3036). More specifically, the main CPU 3042 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 3052. As a result, reels 3005 through 3007 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 3042 decides the effect pattern (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 3011B and the sound output pattern from speaker 3031) with respect to the unit game and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 3072, etc. Gaming machine 3001 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 3072. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 3042 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 3042 stops reels 3005 through 3007 through the motor driving circuit 3052. At this time, the main CPU 3042 stops reels 3005 through 3007 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S3035). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S3035 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 3042 ends the reel rotation control process (S3036) following stopping of reels 3005 through 3007 and then shifts the process to S3037.

After shifting to S3037, the main CPU 3042 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 89) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 3042 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 3005 through 3007. If the winning combination is established (S3037: YES), the main CPU 3042 shifts the process to the payout process (S3038). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S3037: NO), the main CPU 3042 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 3042 executes the processes following process S3031 once again.

At S3038, the main CPU 3042 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S3038), the main CPU 3042 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S3038), the main CPU 3042 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 3042 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S3031.

The processes S3032 through S3038 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the progressive prize-winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 3001 constituting the game system 3100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 99 is a flow chart of the progressive prize-winning effect process program in the gaming machine 3001. The progressive prize-winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 3001.

As shown in FIG. 99, once execution of the progressive prize-winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 3042 judges whether or not the winning signal is received (S3041). If any of the progressive prizes is won at that gaming machine 3001 as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 3091 at S3015, the winning signal is transmitted from the server 3091 (S3018).

Then, if the main CPU 3042 judges that the winning signal is received (S3041: YES), the flow shifts to S3042. Alternatively, if the main CPU 3042 judges that the winning signal is not received (S3041: NO), the flow shifts to S3045.

At S3042, the main CPU 3042 executes a winning effect announcing the winning of a progressive prize.

After that, in S3043, the main CPU 3042 executes a payout process of a progressive payout. In this payout process (S3043), the main CPU 3042 pays out the payout amount calculated at the above S3017 to the player. Specifically, the amount obtained by multiplying the accumulative amount currently accumulated in a progressive payout corresponding to the progressive prize the player wins (any one of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) by the payout magnification ratio (FIG. 95) specified based on the contribution rank.

Alternatively, at S3044, the main CPU 3042 judges whether or not a losing signal is received. This losing signal is transmitted from the server 3091, if, as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 3091 at S3015, another gaming machine 3001 connected to the server 3091 wins any of the progressive prizes (S3018).

If the main CPU 3042 judges that the losing signal is received (S3044: YES), the flow shifts to S3045. Alternatively, if the main CPU 3042 judges that the losing signal is not received (S3044: NO), the progressive prize-winning effect process program ends.

At S3045, the main CPU 3042 carries out a losing effect announcing the losing of a progressive prize. After the end of the losing effect execution process (S3045), the main CPU 3042 ends the progressive prize-winning effect process program.

Hereinafter, the winning effect and the losing effect executed in the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 100 through FIG. 102.

As shown in FIG. 100, the main CPU 3042 first displays a winning effect screen 3121 on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A, upon receiving a winning signal from the server 3091. Upon receiving a losing signal from the server 3091, the main CPU 3042 displays a losing effect screen 3122 on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A. Here, the contents of the winning effect screen 3121 and the losing effect screen 3122 which are respectively displayed on all gaming machines 3001 constituting the game system 3100 are linked. FIG. 100 shows an example wherein a progressive prize is won at the second gaming machine 3001 from the right.

The winning effect screen 3121 and the losing effect screen 3122 respectively include a road 3123. A car 3124 runs on the road 3123. The car 3124 moves along the upper liquid crystal panels 3011A of all gaming machines 3001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 101, in the winning effect, the car 3124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A. The payout amount to be awarded (i.e., progressive amount corresponding to the won progressive prize) is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 3001 wins a progressive prize.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 102, in the losing effect, this process ends without the car 3124 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 3011A. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 3001 has not won the progressive prize.

As described above, in the game system 3100 according to the embodiment, four gaming machines 3001 respectively execute a game (S3032 through S3038) independently. Bet information with respect to a bet amount bet at the gaming machines 3001 is transmitted to the server 3091 (S3034).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 3091 updates each of the three kinds of progressive payout information based on the bet information received (S3012). Furthermore, the server 3091 carries out a lottery for a progressive payout to the gaming machine 3001 having transmitted the bet information (S3015). In case the gaming machine having transmitted the bet information wins any of the progressive prizes, the server 3091 calculates the payout amount based on the contribution degree of the gaming machine 3001 winning the progressive prize (S3017). Then the server 3091 transmits a winning signal including information with respect to the payout amount to the gaming machine 3001 winning the progressive prize (S3018).

Upon receiving the winning signal, the gaming machine 3001 executes a winning effect for announcing the winning of the progressive prize (S3042), and at the same time, pays out the payout amount calculated at the server 3091 (S3043). As a result, the payout amount can be modified in accordance with the contribution degree of the gaming machine winning the progressive prize. Therefore, the gaming machine 3001 will not cause an imbalance between the contribution degree of a gaming machine and a payout amount thereof. In addition, the decrease of the player's interest toward the game can be prevented.

In addition, the larger the bet amount bet at a gaming machine winning a progressive payout is, the higher payout amount is calculated. Accordingly, the game system 3100 can appropriately eliminate the imbalance caused between the amount of gaming values bet by a player and the obtained payout amount, through making differences in a payout.

Furthermore, the lower the payout ratio of the gaming machine winning the progressive payout is, the higher payout amount is calculated. Accordingly, the game system 3100 can appropriately eliminate the imbalance caused between the balance of payment of a player and the obtained payout amount, through making differences in a payout.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the present embodiment, the server 3091 carries out a lottery process for winning a progressive prize with respect to the gaming machines 3001. However, this lottery process may also be carried out in each gaming machine 3001. This lottery may be carried out when the start button is depressed, for instance. If each gaming machine carries out a lottery process for winning the progressive prize, the gaming machine 3001 at which the progressive prize is won transmits the progressive prize signal to the server 3091. The server 3091 may transmit the winning signal or the losing signal to each gaming machine, after receiving the progressive prize signal.

Also, the process of specifying a contribution rank (S3022) or the process of calculating a payout amount based on the specified contribution rank (S3023) may be executed by the gaming machine 3001.

Also, in the above embodiment, a contribution rank is specified based on a credit amount used in each gaming machine or a payout ratio thereof, but this invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. For instance, a contribution rank may be specified based on the operation rate of each gaming machine 3001.

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for executing the above game method on a computer and a recording medium onto which this program is recorded.

Seventh Embodiment

The game system 4100 according to the seventh embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, four) gaming machines 4001 and a server 4091 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith. In the game system 4100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 4001. On the execution of the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

Each time a gaming value is bet, the server 4091 carries out a lottery process, with respect to a gaming machine 4001, from amongst the plurality of gaming machines, at which the gaming value has been bet, to draw a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout (S4014).

As a result, if any of the gaming machines 4001 wins a progressive prize, an event game is jointly carried out among the plurality of gaming machines 4001 constituting the game system 4100. The event game here is a game in which gaming machines participating in the event game compete with each other.

The server 4091 changes a progressive prize to be paid out to the winning gaming machine 4001 to another progressive prize based on the game result of the event game (S4019).

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 104 and FIG. 105. FIG. 104 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 105 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 4100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 104, has a plurality of gaming machines 4001 installed in a game arcade, a server 4091 installed in the same game arcade and a network 4101 which connects the gaming machines 4001 with the server 4091 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large-screen display 4102 is connected to the server 4091. The gaming machines 4001 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 4091 is installed at a back side of the large-screen display 4102 as shown in FIG. 105. Inside the server 4091 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulative amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 4091 stores the respective accumulative amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 4091 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 4001 connected to the server 4091 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 4001 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 4001 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 4001 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 4001 as will be described later, a part or all of the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 4001.

The network 4101 is made up of communication lines which allow two-way communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 4001 and the server 4091 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game, through the network 4101. When a bet operation is carried out in the gaming machine 4001 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 4001 to the server 4091.

If a progressive prize is won at any of the connected gaming machines 4001 in a lottery process carried out in the server 4091, a start signal for an event game is transmitted to the plurality of gaming machines including the winning gaming machine.

After the termination of the event game which has been carried out in each gaming machine 4001, a payout amount based on a game result of the event game and a winning signal for announcing winning of a progressive prize are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 4001.

Meanwhile, the large-screen display 4102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 4001. The large-screen display 4102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 4001. The large-screen display 4102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulative amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 4001, etc) in the game system 4100.

The plurality of gaming machines 4001 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large-screen display 4102. Accordingly, in the game system 4100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 4001 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large-screen display 4102. The number of gaming machines 4001 constituting the game system 4100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 4100 may include five or more gaming machines 4001. Further, the type of the gaming machines 4001 constituting the game system 4100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 4001 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 4001 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 4001.

Next, gaming machines 4001 constituting the game system 4100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 106 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 4001 constituting the game system 4100.

The gaming machine 4001 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 4001 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 4001 has a cabinet 4002, a main door 4003 and a topper effect device 4004. The main door 4003 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 4002. The topper effect device 4004 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 4002.

The cabinet 4002 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 4001. The cabinet 4002 has three reels (specifically, left reel 4005, center reel 4006 and right reel 4007) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 4005 through 4007 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 108). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 4090A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 4011B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 4005 through 4007.

The main door 4003 has an upper display portion 4010A, a variable display portion 4010B and a lower display portion 4010C, as a display portion 4010 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 4010A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 4011A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 401B. The upper liquid crystal panel 4011A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance.

The variable display portion 4010B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 4011B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 4011B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 4003.

The main liquid crystal panel 4011B has three display windows 4015, 4016 and 4017 formed therein (refer to FIG. 106). The gaming machine 4001 renders the back side of the display windows 4015, 4016 and 4017 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 4005 through 4007 via the respective display windows 4015 through 4017 (refer to FIG. 112 and FIG. 113).

As shown in FIG. 106, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 4011B in the variable display portion 4010B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 4005 through 4007 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that is repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 4001 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that has been bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 4018 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 4011B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 4018. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 4018 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 4019 and a credit amount display portion 4020 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 4010B. The payout amount display portion 4019 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount. The payout amount display portion 4019 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display unit 4020 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 4010C is arranged below the variable display portion 4010B. This lower display portion 4010C is constituted of a plastic panel 4011C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 4010C, the plastic panel 4011C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 4025 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 4002. The operation table 4025 is arranged between the variable display portion 4010B and the lower display portion 4010C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 4026 are arranged on this operation table 4025. Operation buttons 4026 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 4025 has a coin slot 4027 and a bill slot 4028. The coin slot 4027 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 4002. The bill slot 4028 accepts bills inside the cabinet 4002.

In the game system 4100 (i.e., including gaming machine 4001) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 4029 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 4002. This coin tray 4029 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 4064. A light emitting portion 4030 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 4002 in gaming machine 4001. The light emitting portion 4030 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 4031 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 4002 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

The gaming machine 4001 also has a topper effect device 4004 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 4002. This topper effect device 4004 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 4010A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 4001 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 107 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 4001 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 107, the gaming machine 4001 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 4090A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 4090B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 4090C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 4090D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 4090E (BAR) and a blank symbol 4090F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 108). The reel bands of the left reel 4005, the center reel 4006 and the right reel 4007 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing a base game or an event game, the gaming machine 4001 can scroll and reposition the symbols through the respective display windows 4015 through 4017 of the main liquid crystal panel 4011B.

The blue seven symbol 4090A through the bar symbol 4090E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 4011B. In this case, the gaming machine 4001 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 114).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 4091 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 109 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 4091.

As shown in FIG. 109, the server 4091 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 4100.

More specifically, the server 4091 has a server control CPU 4092, a server control ROM 4093 and a server control RAM 4094. The server control ROM 4093 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 4100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 4093 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 115), a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 103) and the like as will be described later. The server control CPU 4092 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 4093. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in each gaming machine 4001.

The server control RAM 4094 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when executing the control program by the server control CPU 4092. The server control RAM 4094 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like are received from each gaming machine 4001. Here, the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the 3 types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 4094 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

The server 4091 has a random number generation circuit 4095, a sampling circuit 4096, a clock pulse generation circuit 4097 and a divider 4098.

The random number generation circuit 4095 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 4092 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 4096 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 4095 in response to a command from the server control CPU 4092. The sampling circuit 4096 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 4092. The clock pulse generation circuit 4097 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 4092. The divider 4098 inputs to the server control CPU 4092 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 4091 has a communication interface 4099. This communication interface 4099 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and a game result of an event game, etc.) with the gaming machines 4001. As a result, the server 4091 can control the gaming machines 4001 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 4093.

Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 4001 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 110 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine 4001.

As shown in FIG. 110, the gaming machine 4001 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 4071 as a core. The main control board 4071 has a controller 4041 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 119, FIG. 122 and FIG. 126).

The controller 4041 has a main CPU 4042, a RAM 4043 and a ROM 4044. The main CPU 4042 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 4049 to execute a program stored in the ROM 4044. The main CPU 4042 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 4001. The RAM 4043 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 4042 is operational. For instance, the RAM 4043 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 4046 to be described later. The ROM 4044 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 4042. While executing an event game, the sum value of the event points which have been acquired is stored in the RAM 4043.

More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 4044 include a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program, etc.). Further, this game program also includes a lottery program. The lottery program serves to decide code numbers for each reel 4005 through 4007. These code numbers correspond to symbols each repositioned on the pay line L, as will be described later.

The main control board 4071 has the controller 4041, a random number generation circuit 4045, a sampling circuit 4046, a clock pulse generation circuit 4047 and a divider 4048.

The random number generation circuit 4045 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 4042 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 4046 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 4045 in response to a command from the main CPU 4042. The sampling circuit 4046 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 4042. The clock pulse generation circuit 4047 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 4042. Then, the divider 4048 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 4042.

A reel driving unit 4050 is connected to the main control board 4071. This reel driving unit 4050 has a reel position detecting circuit 4051 and a motor driving circuit 4052. The reel position detecting circuit 4051 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 4005, the center reel 4006 and the right reel 4007. The motor driving circuit 4052 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 4005 through 4007, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 4052. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 4005 through 4007, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 4018 is also connected to the main control board 4071. This touch panel 4018 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 4018 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 4018 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 4042 through the I/O port 4049.

Operation buttons 4026 are also connected to the main control board 4071. As was already described, the operation buttons 4026 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 4026 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 4042 through the I/O port 4049 upon being held down.

A communication interface 4068 is also connected to the main control board 4071. This communication interface 4068 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and a game result of an event game and the like) between the gaming machine 4001 and the server 4091.

The main control board 4071 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 4061, a hopper driving circuit 4063, a payout completion signal circuit 4065 and a display portion driving circuit 4067.

The illumination effect driving circuit 4061 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 4030 and the topper effect device 4004. The topper effect device 4004 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 4061 through the light emitting portion 4030. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 4030 and the topper effect device 4004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 4001 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 4063 drives a hopper 4064 based on the control of the main CPU 4042. As a result, the hopper 4064 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 4029. The display portion driving circuit 4067 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 4019, the credit amount display portion 4020 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 110, a coin detecting portion 4066 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 4065. The coin detecting portion 4066 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 4064 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 4065. The payout completion signal circuit 4065 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 4066. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 4065 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 4042.

As shown in FIG. 111, a sub-control board 4072 is connected to the main control board 4071. This sub-control board 4072 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 4071. The sub-control board 4072 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 4011A and the main liquid crystal panel 4011B and controls sound output by the speaker 4031 based on a command inputted from the main control board 4071.

The sub-control board 4072 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 4073) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 4073 has a sub-CPU 4074, a program ROM 4075, a work RAM 4076, and I/O ports 4077 and 4080. The sub-CPU 4074 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 4071. The program ROM 4075 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 4074. The work RAM 4076 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 4074.

The sub-control board 4072 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 4074. Accordingly, the sub-control board 4072 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 4047, the divider 4048, the random number generation circuit 4045 and the sampling circuit 4046 provided on the main control board 4071.

The sub-control board 4072 also has a sound source IC 4078, a power amplifier 4079 and an image control circuit 4081. The sound source IC 4078 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 4031. The power amplifier 4079 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 4081 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 4011A and the main liquid crystal panel 4011B.

The image control circuit 4081 has an image control CPU 4082, an image control work RAM 4083, an image control program ROM 4084, an image ROM 4086, a video RAM 4087 and an image control IC 4088. The image control CPU 4082 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 4011A and the main liquid crystal panel 4011B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 4073.

The image control program ROM 4084 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 4011A and the main liquid crystal panel 4011B. The image control work RAM 4083 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 4082. The image control IC 4088 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 4082 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 4011A and the main liquid crystal panel 4011B. The image ROM 4086 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 4087 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 4088.

Next, a description will be given on a base game and an event game executed in the gaming machine 4001 according to the present embodiment. First, the base game at the gaming machine 4001 will now be explained. The base game is a slot game executed separately in each gaming machine 4001. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 4005 through 4007.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 4026 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 4005 through 4007 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the reels 4005 through 4007 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 4015 through 4017 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 112).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 4005 through 4007 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions (three symbols in each reel, a total of nine symbols) of the symbol columns drawn on each of the reels 4005 through 4007 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 4015 through 4017 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 113).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined types of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and paying out the payout (S4034 through S4040).

Next, the event game to be executed in the gaming machine 4001 will be described. The event game according to the present embodiment is executed in all the operating gaming machines composing the game system 4100 if any of the gaming machines composing the game system 4100 wins a progressive prize.

In the event game, the gaming machine 4001 winning the progressive prize competes the excellence of the game result with respect to the event game with other gaming machines 4001. Accordingly, the event game corresponds to a game jointly carried out with a plurality of gaming machines.

The event game is composed of a plurality of unit event games. Specifically, the event game is composed of twenty unit event games, and terminates when the twenty unit event games have been executed.

In a unit event game, similarly to the unit game at the base game as above mentioned, a gaming machine 4001 scroll-displays the symbols (S4042) and according to the lottery result, repositions the symbols (S4042). In the unit event game, according to the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L, an “event point” is awarded. That is, a sum value of the event points according to the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L is the game result of a unit event game. The event point serves as an indication for judging the excellence with respect to the game result of the event game. The event point does not correspond to a gaming value (credit), unlike a payout based on the winning combination.

In addition, the game results of a plural number of unit event games carried out in the gaming machine 4001 are added up and become the game result of the event game. Accordingly, the game system 4100 compares the game results of the event game at the respective gaming machines 4001 based on the sum value of the event points which are obtained during the event game period. According to this comparison, the game system 4100 identifies the gaming machine 4001 which has acquired the most excellent game result with respect to the event game.

In the event game, in case the gaming machine winning the progressive prize acquires the most excellent game result with respect to the event game, the progressive prize to be paid out is changed into a larger amount of a progressive payout.

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the base game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 114 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing winning combinations and payout amounts for respective winning combinations according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 114 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid out is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 114.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 4090A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 4090A and red seven symbol(s) 4090B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 4090A and red seven symbol 4090B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 114 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 114), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 115 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 4092 of the server 4091.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 4100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 4092 executes an initial setting process (S4001). When the game system 4100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 4001.

In this initial setting process (S4001), the server control CPU 4092 executes initial setting of the server 4091 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 4042 of each gaming machine 4001.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 4001 activates its main control board 4071 and the sub-control board 4072 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 4042 of each gaming machine 4001 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 4044 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 4043. The main CPU 4042 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 4043 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 4042 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 4044 to the RAM 4043 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 4042 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 4001 is completed, the server control CPU 4092 shifts the process to S4002.

After shifting to S4002, the server control CPU 4092 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 4001. As will be described later, each gaming machine 4001 can execute a base game and an event game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 4001, the server control CPU 4092 shifts the process to S4003.

After shifting to S4003, the server control CPU 4092 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S4003), the server control CPU 4092 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 4100. For instance, the server control CPU 4092 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, a progressive prize lottery process, processes of transmitting an event game start signal, of determining an event game result and of changing a payout amount, and a process relating to a winning signal transmission to the gaming machines 4001. The progressive payout management process (S4003) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S4003) ends, the server control CPU 4092 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 4092 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 103 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 103, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 4092 judges whether an event game is under execution or not in any of gaming machines 4001 at S4011. Specifically, the server control CPU 4092 judges that an event game is under execution in at least one of the gaming machines 4001 during the period after the server control CPU 4092 has transmitted an event game start signal (S4016) and until event game result information is transmitted (S4045) from all gaming machines 4001 in operation composing the game system 4100.

After that, if the server control CPU 4092 judges that an event game is under execution in one of the gaming machines 4001 (S4011: YES), the process shifts to S4017. If it judges that the event game is not under execution in any of the gaming machines 4001 (S4011: NO), it shifts to S4012.

At S4012, the server control CPU 4092 first judges whether the bet information is received. This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 4001. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 4001 to the server 4091 (S4036) by executing a start acceptance process (S4034) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S4012: YES), the server control CPU 4092 shifts the process to S4013. Alternatively, if no bet information is received (S4012: NO), the server control CPU 4092 terminates the progressive payout management process program.

After shifting to S4013, the server control CPU 4092 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S4013), the server control CPU 4092 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 4092 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 4092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 4092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout.

At S4014, the server control CPU 4092 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S4014), a lottery for a progressive prize win is executed at the gaming machine 4001 from which the bet information has been transmitted. More specifically, the server control CPU 4092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 4092 determines whether the result is winning a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, or not winning any progressive prize (in other words, losing), based on the table and the sampled random numbers.

Here, a process in which random numbers are used in the progressive prize lottery process (S4014) will now be described based on the drawings. FIG. 116 is one example of a table including associations between random numbers and winning contents.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S4014), the server control CPU 4092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 65535). Thereafter, the server control CPU 4092 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if a random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 4092 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 4001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 116. Also, if a random number “17” is sampled, the server control CPU 4092 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 4001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “17” and the table shown in FIG. 116. If a random number “211” is sampled, the server control CPU 4092 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 4001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “211” and the table shown in FIG. 116. If a random number “23676” is sampled, the server control CPU 4092 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 4001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “23676” and the table shown in FIG. 116.

After that, at S4015, the server control CPU 4092 judges whether or not the gaming machine 4001 having transmitted the bet information has won any of the progressive prizes as a result of the lottery process of the above S4014. If it is judged that the gaming machine 4001 having transmitted the bet information has won any of the progressive prizes (S4015: YES), the server control CPU 4092 transmits an event game start signal to all the gaming machines 4001 currently in operation (i.e., currently carrying out base games) (S4016). After that, the server control CPU 4092 terminates the progressive payout management process program. Meanwhile, a gaming machine 4001 which has received the event game start signal carries out an event game as described later (S4033).

If it is judged that the gaming machine 4001 having transmitted the bet information has not won any of the progressive prizes (S4015: NO), the server control CPU 4092 terminates the progressive payout management process program.

Then, at S4017, the server control CPU 4092 judges whether or not the event game has terminated in all the gaming machines 4001 in operation. More specifically, the server control CPU 4092 judges that the event game has terminated in all the gaming machines 4001 in operation in case, after the server control CPU has transmitted the event game start signal (S4016), the event game result information is transmitted (S4045) from all gaming machines 4001 in operation composing the game system 4100.

If it is judged that the event game has terminated in all the gaming machines 4001 in operation (S4017: YES), the process shifts to S4018. If the event game is being executed in any of the gaming machines 4001 (S4017: NO), the server control CPU puts the process in standby until the event game terminates in all the gaming machines 4001 in operation.

At S4018, the server control CPU 4092 executes an event game result judgment process. This event game result judgment process (S4018) serves to identify the gaming machine 4001 achieving the most excellent event game result based on the event game results of the respective gaming machines 4001 participating in the event game.

Hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given concerning the event game result judgment process of the above S4018.

More specifically, the server control CPU 4092 first receives event game result information from each station 1 participating in the event game. The event game result information is transmitted from gaming machines 4001 which executed a predetermined number of unit event games (S4045). As was described in the above text, the event game result information indicates a sum value of the event points acquired during the event game period. Accordingly, the server control CPU 4092 identifies the gaming machine 4001 which acquired the highest event points (i.e., gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result) based on the event game result information from each of the gaming machines 4001. After identifying the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent game result, the server control CPU 4092 shifts the process to S4019.

At S4019, the server control CPU 4092 changes the progressive payout to be paid out for the gaming machine 4001 winning the progressive prize to the another progressive prize according to the judgment result of the event game result judgment process of the above S4018.

Hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given concerning the event game result judgment process of the above S4019.

Specifically, in the event game result judgment process, the server control CPU 4092 judges whether the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize or not. If the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize, the progressive payout to be paid out is changed to a progressive prize of a larger amount. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 117, if the gaming machine 4001 has won a “MINOR” progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out is changed from “MINOR” to “MAJOR”. If the gaming machine 4001 has won a “MAJOR” progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out is changed from “MAJOR” to “MEGA”. Here, among the progressive payouts of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, the initial value is highest in “MEGA”, and lowest in “MINOR”. The accumulative amount is largest in “MEGA”, and smallest in “MINOR”. The winning probability is highest in “MINOR”, and lowest in “MEGA”. Accordingly, under normal conditions, the accumulated progressive amount is the largest in “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” in this order.

Accordingly, if the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out is to be changed to a progressive prize of a larger amount. Meanwhile, if a gaming machine 4001 has won the progressive prize of “MEGA” and the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize, an extra payout may be added to the payout amount.

Meanwhile, if the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is a gaming machine other than the gaming machine having won the progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out may be changed to a progressive prize of a smaller amount. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 118, if the gaming machine 4001 has won a “MEGA” progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out may be changed from “MEGA” to “MAJOR”. If the gaming machine 4001 has won a “MAJOR” progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out may be changed from “MAJOR” to “MINOR”. Here, among the progressive payouts of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, the initial value is highest in “MEGA”, and lowest in “MINOR”. The accumulative amount is largest in “MEGA”, and smallest in “MINOR”. The winning probability is the highest in “MINOR”, and lowest in “MEGA”. Accordingly, under normal conditions, the accumulated progressive amount is the largest in “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” in this order.

Accordingly, if the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is a gaming machine other than the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize, the progressive prize to be paid out is to be changed to a progressive prize of a smaller amount. Meanwhile, if a gaming machine 4001 has won the progressive prize of “MINOR” and the gaming machine acquiring the most excellent event game result is a gaming machine other than the gaming machine 4001 having won the progressive prize, the payout amount may be reduced.

Next, at S4020, the server control CPU 4092 transmits a winning signal to the gaming machine having won the progressive prize. Here, the winning signal serves as a signal for announcing that the gaming machine of the signal destination wins the progressive prize. In addition, the winning signal includes information of the payout amount changed at S4019 as described above.

Meanwhile, the main CPU 4042 of the gaming machine having received the winning signal executes an effect process (S4052) with respect to winning a progressive prize or a payout process (S4053) to be later described.

Subsequently, at S4019, the server control CPU 4092 updates the accumulative amount of the progressive payout having been paid out to an initial value. Initial values of the progressive prize are 5000 credits for “MEGA”, 1000 credits for “MAJOR” and 500 credits for “MINOR”.

After that, the server control CPU 4092 terminates the progressive payout management process program.

Next, the main game process program executed in each of the gaming machines 4001 constituting the game system 4100 will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 119 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in a gaming machine 4001.

The slot game in the gaming machine 4001 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to the gaming machine 4001.

In the following description, each gaming machine 4001 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 4001 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 4091.

As shown in FIG. 119, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 4042 judges whether a game start signal is received (S4031). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 4091 (S4002). If a game start signal is received (S4031: YES), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4032. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S4031: NO), the main CPU 4042 puts the process in standby. Specifically, the gaming machine 4001 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S4032, the main CPU 4042 judges whether an event game start signal has been received. This event game start signal is transmitted by the server control CPU 4092 if one of the gaming machines composing the game system 4100 has won a progressive prize (S4016). If the event game start signal is received (S4032: YES), the main CPU 4042 executes an event game execution process at S4033. The event game execution process (S4033) will later be described in detail. On the other hand, if the event game start signal is not received (S4032: NO), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4034. In this case, the above gaming machine 4001 executes the processes (S4034 through S4040) relating to the execution of the base game.

At S4034, the main CPU 4042 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S4034), the main CPU 4042 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating a BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 4042 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 4072. As a result, the display windows 4015 through 4017 of the main liquid crystal panel 4011B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 4072.

After shifting to S4035, the main CPU 4042 judges whether the start button has been operated. More specifically, the main CPU 4042 makes the judgment at S4035 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button is operated (S4035: YES), the main CPU 4042 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S4036. More specifically, the main CPU 4042 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S4034) in the RAM 4043. The main CPU 4042 then transmits this bet information to the server 4091. The main CPU 4042 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S4035: NO), the main CPU 4042 returns the process to S4034. As a result, the start acceptance process (S4034) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S4036, the main CPU 4042 transmits the bet information to the server 4091. This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which is bet in the start acceptance process at S4034. The server 4091 then updates the respective three types of progressive payout information and the used credit amount information based on the received bet information (S4013).

In the next process S4037, the main CPU 4042 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S4037) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 4011B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 4042 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 4042 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 4005 through 4007) to be positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S4037) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 120 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 121 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 120) contains associations with respect to the left reel 4005, the center reel 4006 and the right reel 4007.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S4037), the main CPU 4042 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 4042 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 4042 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 4042 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 4005 is the reel band shown in FIG. 120 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 4042 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 121. Then, the main CPU 4042 decides the symbol to be positioned on the pay line L in display window 4015 to be the bar symbol 4090E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 120.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S4037) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the above tables.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S4037) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 119.

After the symbol lottery process (S4037) ends, the main CPU 4042 executes a reel rotation control process (S4038). More specifically, the main CPU 4042 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 4052. As a result, reels 4005 through 4007 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 4042 decides the effect pattern (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 4011B and the sound output pattern from speaker 4031) with respect to the unit game and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 4072, etc. Gaming machine 4001 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 4072. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 4042 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 4042 stops reels 4005 through 4007 through the motor driving circuit 4052. At this time, the main CPU 4042 stops reels 4005 through 4007 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S4037). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S4037 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 4042 ends the reel rotation control process (S4038) following stopping of reels 4005 through 4007 and then shifts the process to S4039.

After shifting to S4039, the main CPU 4042 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 114) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 4042 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 4005 through 4007. If the winning combination is established (S4039: YES), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to the payout process (S4040). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S4039: NO), the main CPU 4042 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 4042 executes the processes following process S4031 once again.

At S4040, the main CPU 4042 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S4040), the main CPU 4042 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S4040), the main CPU 4042 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 4042 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S4031.

The processes S4034 through S4040 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the event game execution process program executed by the main CPU 4042 at the above S4033 will be described. As was described in the above text, if an event game start signal is received from the server 4091 (S4031: YES), the main CPU 4042 starts the event game execution process program.

In the event game execution process program, the main CPU 4042 first executes the symbol lottery process at S4041. This symbol lottery process (S4041) is similar to the symbol lottery process (S4037) in the base game. Specifically, in the symbol lottery process (S4041), the main CPU 4042 determines the symbol combination to be positioned on the pay line L in the unit event game. After ending the symbol lottery process (S4041), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4042.

At S4042, the main CPU 4042 executes the reel rotation control process. This reel rotation control process (S4042) is similar to the reel rotation control process (S4038) in the base game. Accordingly, the symbols are scroll-displayed in the respective windows 4015, 4016, 4017 through the rotation of the respective reels also in the unit event game (refer to FIG. 123). When rotation of the reels is stopped, the symbols are repositioned based on the lottery results of the symbol lottery process (S4041) (refer to FIG. 124). After repositioning the symbols based on the lottery results, the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4043.

After shifting to S4043, the main CPU 4042 executes the point addition process. This point addition process (S4043) serves to determine the game results of the unit event game and the event game. More specifically, the main CPU 4042 calculates the event points for the unit event game having as the object three symbols positioned on the pay line L. As a result, the main CPU 4042 judges the game results in the unit event game. The main CPU 4042 accumulates and adds the event points for the unit event game to the event points obtained during the event game. As a result, the main CPU 4042 judges the game results for the entire event game.

While an event game is executed, as illustrated in FIG. 123 and FIG. 124, the main liquid crystal panel 4011B displays the remaining number of unit event games of the event game and the sum value of the event points obtained until the present time. Accordingly, through referring to the screen displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 4011B, the player can grasp the remaining number of unit event games of the event game and the sum value of the event points obtained until the present time.

Next, the calculation of event points in the unit event game will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. Upon calculating the event points, the main CPU 4042 references the lottery results of the symbol lottery process (S4041) and the event point table illustrated in FIG. 125. As illustrated in FIG. 125, the event point table contains different event points set for each type of symbol. For instance, the red seven symbol 4090B is associated with “50 points”.

Here, the calculation of the event points for the unit event game will be described taking as example the case that symbols are repositioned in the manner illustrated in FIG. 124. In the case illustrated in FIG. 124, a “bar symbol 4090E”, a “triple bar symbol 4090C” and a “red seven symbol 4090B” are positioned on the pay line L. Accordingly, these three symbols become the object for calculating the event points in the above unit event game.

Then, as shown in FIG. 125, “10 points” are associated to the “bar symbol 4090E” and “30 points” are associated to the “triple bar symbol 4090C”. Accordingly, the total number of event points for the unit event game in this case is “90 points” which adds up “10 points”, “30 points” and “50 points”.

The event points of the unit event game calculated as above are added to the present event points as needed. Specifically, the more unit event games the player executes, the higher event point the player can obtain. After adding the event points for the current unit event game to the present event points, the main CPU 4042 ends the point addition process (S4043). After ending the point addition process (S4043), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4044.

The unit event game according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the processes from S4041 through S4043.

After shifting to S4044, the main CPU 4042 judges whether the predetermined number (20 times, for instance) of unit event games has been executed or not. If it is judged that the predetermined number of unit event games has been executed (S4044: YES), the main CPU 4042 shifts the process to S4045.

Alternatively, the main CPU 4042 returns the process to S4041 if t is judged that the predetermined number of unit event games has not yet been executed (S4044: NO). As a result, the player can execute a new unit event game. Specifically, the player can play the unit event game up to a predetermined times.

At S4045, the main CPU 4042 transmits the event game result information to the server 4091. This event game result information illustrates the game results for the current event game (specifically, at the time of ending the event game). Specifically, the above event game result information illustrates the sum value of the event points obtained in the current event game. Then, the above event game result information is used as judging reference for identifying the gaming machine 4001 that obtained the best event game results (S4018). After transmitting the event game result information to the server 4091, the main CPU 4042 terminates the event game execution process program.

Next, the progressive prize winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 4001 constituting the game system 4100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 126 is a flow chart of the progressive prize winning effect process program in the gaming machine 4001. The progressive prize winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 4001.

As illustrated in FIG. 126, once execution of the progressive prize winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 4042 judges whether or not the winning signal is received (S4051). The winning signal is transmitted from the server 4091 (S4020) after the server 4091 has executed the event game result judgment process (S4018) and has changed the payout to be paid out to the gaming machine 4001 winning the progressive prize based on the result of the event game (S4019).

Then, if the main CPU 4042 judges that the winning signal is received (S4051: YES), the process shifts to S4052. Alternatively, if the main CPU 4042 judges that the winning signal is not received (S4051: NO), the progressive prize winning process program terminates.

At S4052, the main CPU 4042 executes a winning effect announcing the winning of a progressive prize. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 127, the main CPU 4042 displays on the main liquid crystal panel 4011B the kind of progressive payout to be paid out and the payout amount, respectively.

After that, at S4053, the main CPU 4042 executes a payout process of a progressive payout. In this payout process (S4053), the main CPU 4042 pays out, to the player, a progressive payout to be paid out after the change at the above S4019. After terminating the payout process (S4053), the main CPU 4042 terminates the progressive prize winning process program.

As described above, in the game system 4100 according to the present embodiment, four gaming machines 4001 respectively execute a game (S4034 through S4040) independently. Bet information with respect to a bet amount bet at the gaming machines 4001 is transmitted to the server 4091 (S4036).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 4091 updates each of the three kinds of progressive payout information based on the bet information received (S4013). Furthermore, the server 4091 carries out a lottery for a progressive payout to the gaming machine 4001 having transmitted the bet information (S4014). In case the gaming machine having transmitted the bet information wins any one of the progressive prizes, the server 4091 carries out an event game jointly in plural gaming machines 4001 including the gaming machine 4001 winning the progressive prize (S4016). The server 4091 then changes the progressive payout to be paid out to another progressive payout (S4019) based on the game result of the event game. After that, the server 4091 transmits a winning signal including information with respect to the payout amount to the gaming machine 4001 winning the progressive prize (S4020).

Upon receiving the winning signal, the gaming machine 4001 executes a winning effect for announcing the winning of the progressive prize (S4052), and at the same time, pays out the payout amount changed at the server 4091 (S4053). As a result, by executing an event game jointly with the plural gaming machines 4001 when any one of the gaming machines 4001 wins the progressive prize, the gaming machine can provide to a player a game with entertainment characteristics which the foregoing conventional art cannot offer. In addition, the progressive payout to be paid out is changed to another progressive payout according to the game result of the event game, the gaming machine can therefore give a player an expectation for a larger amount of a payout.

In addition, in case a gaming machine winning a prize for awarding the progressive payout has achieved a more excellent game result than any other gaming machine in the event game, the progressive payout to be awarded is changed into another progressive payout of larger amount. Thus, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can give a player an expectation for a larger amount of a payout.

Further, in case a gaming machine winning a prize for awarding the progressive payout has achieved a poorer game result than another gaming machine in the event game, the progressive payout to be awarded is changed into another progressive payout of smaller amount. Thus, the gaming machine of the present embodiment can increase the eagerness toward the event game of players at the gaming machines other than the winning gaming machine and also can make a player to play continuously long time after the progressive prize is paid out.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the present embodiment, the server 4091 carries out a lottery process for winning a progressive prize with respect to the gaming machines 4001. However, this lottery process may also be carried out in each gaming machine 4001. This lottery may be carried out when the start button is depressed, for instance. If each gaming machine carries out a lottery process for winning the progressive prize, the gaming machine 4001 at which the progressive prize is won transmits the progressive prize signal to the server 4091. The server 4091 may transmit the event game start signal to each gaming machine 4001, after receiving the progressive prize signal.

In the present embodiment, in case a gaming machine winning a prize for awarding the progressive payout has achieved a more excellent game result than any other gaming machine in the event game, the progressive payout to be awarded is changed into another progressive payout of larger amount. However, instead of changing the progressive payout itself, a payout amount thereof may be increased. Similarly, in case a gaming machine winning a prize for awarding the progressive payout has achieved a poorer game result than another gaming machine in the event game, the progressive payout to be awarded is changed into another progressive payout of smaller amount. However, instead of changing the progressive payout itself, a payout amount thereof may be decreased.

Further, in the present embodiment, an event game is executed in all the gaming machines currently in operation, however, for instance, an event game may be executed only among a gaming machine 4001 winning a progressive prize and gaming machines 4001 adjacent to the winning gaming machine 4001. Alternatively, an event game may be executed only among a gaming machine 4001 winning a progressive prize and gaming machines 4001 chosen by a lottery.

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for executing the above game method on a computer and a recording medium onto which this program is recorded.

Eighth Embodiment

The game system 5100 according to the eighth embodiment has a plurality of (for instance, four) gaming machines 5001 and a server 5091 which is connected to the gaming machines so as to allow communication therewith interactively. In the game system 5100, a base game is carried out independently in each gaming machine 5001. In the base game, a player bets a gaming value arbitrarily.

The server 5091 carries out a lottery process, with respect to a gaming machine 5001, from amongst the plurality of gaming machines, at which the gaming value has been bet, to draw a prize (hereinafter referred to as a progressive prize) for awarding a progressive payout (S5013).

As a result, if two or more gaming machines 5001 win a progressive prize independently within a predetermined time lag, the current accumulated payout of the progressive payout which is won at each of those gaming machines 5001 is not treated as final payout amount. Instead, the payout amount to be paid out to each of those gaming machine is newly calculated (S5016). The payout amount calculated thereat shall be the amount which is a sum of the current accumulated amount of progressive payout to be awarded as prize for those gaming machines and other accumulated amount of progressive payout those gaming machines did not hit.

Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. 129 and FIG. 130. FIG. 129 is a view showing a schematic configuration of the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 130 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment.

The game system 5100 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 129, has a plurality of gaming machines 5001 installed in a game arcade, a server 5091 installed in the same game arcade and a network 5101 which connects the gaming machines 5001 with the server 5091 so as to allow communication therebetween. A large screen display 5102 is connected to the server 5091. The gaming machines 5001 will be described in more detail later.

Here, the server 5091 is installed at a back side of the large screen display 5102 as shown in FIG. 130. Inside the server 5091 is provided a storage area for storing an accumulated amount of a current progressive payout. Here, the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. The server 5091 stores the respective accumulated amounts of the three types of progressive payouts at present. Further, the server 5091 accumulates a portion of the gaming values which are bet in each gaming machine 5001 connected to the server 5091 as respective progressive payouts. More specifically, 1.0% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 5001 is accumulated and stored as a “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, 0.5% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 5001 is accumulated and stored as a “MAJOR” progressive payout. Further, 0.2% of the gaming value which is bet by the player at each gaming machine 5001 is accumulated and stored as a “MINOR” progressive payout. In case a progressive prize is won at a gaming machine 5001 as will be described later, the accumulated gaming value is awarded to the player of the winning gaming machine 5001.

The network 5101 is made up of communication lines which allow two-way communication, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), for instance. The gaming machines 5001 and the server 5091 carry out transmission and reception of various information relating to the game through the network 5101. When a bet operation is carried out in the gaming machine 5001 as will be described later, for instance, the bet information is transmitted from that gaming machine 5001 to the server 5091.

If a progressive prize is won at any of the connected gaming machines 5001, a payout amount based on an accumulative amount of the progressive payout accumulated till present and a winning signal for announcing winning of a progressive prize are transmitted to the winning gaming machine 5001 in a lottery process carried out in the server 5091. A losing signal for announcing that a progressive prize is not won is transmitted to all of the gaming machines 5001 except the winning gaming machine 5001.

Meanwhile, the large screen display 5102 is installed at an upper side of four gaming machines 5001. The large screen display 5102 is supported by a support member erected at a back side of the gaming machines 5001. The large screen display 5102 includes a large scale liquid crystal display heretofore known and is adapted to display various types of game information (for instance, the accumulated amount of the current progressive payout and the score at each gaming machine 5001, etc) in the game system 5100.

The plurality of gaming machines 5001 are arranged so as to be spaced away from the large screen display 5102. Accordingly, in the game system 5100, the manager and the like of the game arcade can replace the gaming machines 5001 with another type of gaming machines, without removing the large screen display 5102. The number of gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system 5100 is not limited to four machines. For instance, the game system 5100 may include five or more gaming machines 5001. Further, the type of the gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system 5100 is not limited to the same type of gaming machines. For instance, the gaming machines 5001 may also include different types of slot machines. The gaming machines 5001 may also include gaming machines which execute different games, such as a slot machine and a card game machine, etc. In the following embodiment, a description will be given concerning the case wherein a slot machine is used as a gaming machine 5001.

Next, gaming machines 5001 composing the game system 5100 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 131 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of one gaming machine 5001 composing the game system 5100.

The gaming machine 5001 directed to the present embodiment is a so-called hybrid-type slot machine. This hybrid-type slot machine has a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel arranged at a front face of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatably supported. This hybrid-type slot machine displays images of different types of symbols drawn on an outer surface of the mechanical reels, while the transparent liquid crystal panel is in a transmission state upon execution of the game.

The gaming machine 5001 directed to the present embodiment is an upright-type slot machine used in game arcades such as casinos and the like. This gaming machine 5001 has a cabinet 5002, a main door 5003 and a topper effect device 5004. The main door 5003 is arranged at a front face of the cabinet 5002. The topper effect device 5004 is arranged at an upper side of the cabinet 5002.

The cabinet 5002 is a housing portion that houses the electrical and mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode in the gaming machine 5001. The cabinet 5002 has three reels (specifically, left reel 5005, center reel 5006 and right reel 5007) which are rotatably provided therein. Reels 5005 through 5007 each have a symbol column drawn on an outer periphery thereof (refer to FIG. 133). The symbol column is constituted of a predetermined number of symbols (for instance, blue seven symbol 5090A and the like to be described later). A main liquid crystal panel 5011B to be described later is arranged in front of the reels 5005 through 5007.

The main door 5003 has an upper display portion 5010A, a variable display portion 5010B and a lower display portion 5010C, as a display portion 5010 for displaying information with respect to a game. The upper display portion 5010A is made up of an upper liquid crystal panel 5011A arranged at an upper side of the variable display portion 5010B. The upper liquid crystal panel 5011A displays effect images, introduction of game contents and rule explanations, etc. with respect to the game, for instance. More particularly, if a winning signal is received from the server 5091 at the gaming machine 5001 according to the first embodiment, a winning effect announcing winning of a progressive prize is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A (refer to FIG. 149 through FIG. 153). In case a losing signal is received from the server 5091 at the gaming machine 5001 according to the second embodiment, a losing effect announcing a progressive prize is not won is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A (refer to FIG. 149 through FIG. 153).

The variable display portion 5010B is constituted of the main liquid crystal panel 5011B and is adapted to display an execution state of the game. The main liquid crystal panel 5011B is a heretofore known transparent liquid crystal panel secured to the main door 5003.

The main liquid crystal panel 5011B has three display windows 5015, 5016 and 5017 formed therein (refer to FIG. 131). The gaming machine 5001 renders the back side of the display windows 5015, 5016 and 5017 visible by placing these display windows in a transmission state. As a result, a player can visually recognize the symbols drawn on reels 5005 through 5007 via the respective display windows 5015 through 5017 (refer to FIG. 137 and FIG. 138).

As shown in FIG. 131, etc., one pay line L is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel 5011B in the variable display portion 5010B. This pay line L is a line that runs in a horizontal direction across a mid portion of the symbol display area corresponding to reels 5005 through 5007 and defines a symbol combination. Accordingly, if the symbol combination that is repositioned on the pay line L is a predetermined winning combination, the gaming machine 5001 awards a payout in accordance with the winning combination and the credit amount that has been bet (bet amount).

The number of reels may be five, instead of three, and further, the number of displayed symbols is not limited to nine symbols.

A touch panel 5018 is provided at a front face of the main liquid crystal panel 5011B. Thus, the player can input different types of commands by operating of the touch panel 5018. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 5018 is used at the time of an entry operation with respect to an event game to be described later.

A payout amount display portion 5019 and a credit amount display portion 5020 are provided at a right lower part of the variable display portion 5010B. The payout amount display portion 5019 displays the payout amount and the like as the awarded payout amount. The payout amount display portion 5019 displays a payout amount which is awarded if the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L in a base game is a predetermined combination. On the other hand, the credit amount display unit 5020 displays the credit amount that an actual player has.

The lower display portion 5010C is arranged below the variable display portion 5010B. This lower display portion 5010C is constituted of a plastic panel 5011C onto which an image is printed. In the lower display portion 5010C, the plastic panel 5011C is illuminated by backlights.

An operation table 5025 is provided at a front face of the cabinet 5002. The operation table 5025 is arranged between the variable display portion 5010B and the lower display portion 5010C so as to protrude towards the front side. A plurality of types of operation buttons 5026 are arranged on this operation table 5025. Operation buttons 5026 include a BET button, a collecting button, a start button and a CASHOUT button and the like. The operation table 5025 has a coin slot 5027 and a bill slot 5028. The coin slot 5027 accepts coins representing a gaming value inside the cabinet 5002. The bill slot 5028 accepts bills inside the cabinet 5002.

In the game system 5100 (i.e., including gaming machine 5001) directed to the present embodiment, coins, bills or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these are used as gaming values. However, the gaming values applicable to this invention are not limited to these items and may also include medals, tokens, electronic money or tickets, for instance.

Also, a coin tray 5029 is provided at a lowermost portion of the cabinet 5002. This coin tray 5029 receives the coins paid out by a hopper 5064. A light emitting portion 5030 is arranged at a periphery of cabinet 5002 in gaming machine 5001. The light emitting portion 5030 lights up in a predetermined lighting fashion in the event of a win or during the event game. A speaker 5031 is provided at a side face of the cabinet 5002 and is adapted to output sounds in accordance with the progress of the game.

The gaming machine 5001 also has a topper effect device 5004 provided at an upper side of the cabinet 5002. This topper effect device 5004 has a rectangular board shape and is arranged so as to become substantially parallel with the upper display portion 5010A.

Next, the symbols in the gaming machine 5001 directed to the present embodiment will be described by referring to the drawings. FIG. 132 is an explanatory diagram of the respective symbols employed by the gaming machine 5001 directed to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 132, the gaming machine 5001 employs six types of symbols during the game. The six types of symbols are constituted of a blue seven symbol 5090A (BLUE 7), a red seven symbol 5090B (RED 7), a triple bar symbol 5090C (3-BAR), a double bar symbol 5090D (2-BAR), a bar symbol 5090E (BAR) and a blank symbol 5090F (BLANK).

These six types of symbols constitute a symbol column when a predetermined number thereof are positioned in array (refer to FIG. 133). The reel bands of the left reel 5005, the center reel 5006 and the right reel 5007 each contain a corresponding symbol column. In the symbol columns, the above described symbols are each positioned in a predetermined sequence. Accordingly, when executing the game, gaming machine 5001 can reposition the symbols while scrolling through the respective display windows 5015 through 5017 of the main liquid crystal panel 5011B.

The blue seven symbol 5090A through the bar symbol 5090E constitute a winning combination if three of them are repositioned in a predetermined fashion on the pay line L of the main liquid crystal panel 5011B. In this case, the gaming machine 5001 awards a predetermined payout amount to the player based on the relevant winning combination (refer to FIG. 139).

Next, an internal configuration of the server 5091 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 134 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the server 5091.

As shown in FIG. 134, the server 5091 executes the control program to be described later (for instance, a progressive payout management process program, or the like) to control the entire game system 5100.

More specifically, the server 5091 has a server control CPU 5092, a server control ROM 5093 and a server control RAM 5094. The server control ROM 5093 stores a control program and a data table required to control the entire game system 5100. Accordingly, the server control ROM 5093 stores a main process program (refer to FIG. 140) and a progressive payout management process program (refer to FIG. 128) as will be described later. The server control CPU 5092 is a central processing device that executes various types of control programs stored in the server control ROM 5093. The progressive payout management process program includes a lottery program. This lottery program serves to determine winning of a progressive prize in each gaming machine 5001.

The server control RAM 5094 temporarily stores the calculation results and the like when executing the control program by the server control CPU 5092. The server control RAM 5094 also stores progressive payout information. The progressive payout information is updated as needed once bet information and the like are received from each gaming machine 5001. Here, the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment has three types of progressive payouts. More specifically, the three types of progressive payouts include “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”. Accordingly, the server control RAM 5094 respectively stores the payout amounts for the current three types of progressive payouts.

The server 5091 has a random number generation circuit 5095, a sampling circuit 5096, a clock pulse generation circuit 5097 and a divider 5098.

The random number generation circuit 5095 operates in response to a command from the server control CPU 5092 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 5096 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 5095 in response to a command from the server control CPU 5092. The sampling circuit 5096 inputs the extracted random number to the server control CPU 5092. The clock pulse generation circuit 5097 generates a reference clock for activating the server control CPU 5092. The divider 5098 inputs to the server control CPU 5092 a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period.

Further, the server 5091 has a communication interface 5099. This communication interface 5099 is used when carrying out transmission and reception of various types of data (for instance, bet information and progressive prize winning results, etc.) with the gaming machines 5001. As a result, the server 5091 can control the gaming machines 5001 based on a control program stored in the server control ROM 5093.

Next, the internal construction of the gaming machine 5001 directed to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 135 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of the gaming machine 5001.

As shown in FIG. 135, the gaming machine 5001 has a plurality of constituting elements, with a main control board 5071 as a core. The main control board 5071 has a controller 5041 for executing control programs and the like to be described later (FIG. 145 and FIG. 148).

The controller 5041 has a main CPU 5042, a RAM 5043 and a ROM 5044. The main CPU 5042 inputs/outputs signals to/from the other constituting elements through an I/O port 5049 to execute a program stored in the ROM 5044. The main CPU 5042 thus serves as the core for controlling gaming machine 5001. The RAM 5043 temporarily stores data and programs to be used when the main CPU 5042 is operational. For instance, the RAM 5043 temporarily stores random number values which were sampled by a sampling circuit 5046 to be described later. The ROM 5044 stores permanent data and programs to be executed by the main CPU 5042.

More particularly, the programs stored in the ROM 5044 include a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program, etc.). Further, this game program also includes a lottery program. The lottery program serves to decide code numbers for each reel 5005 through 5007. These code numbers correspond to symbols each repositioned on the pay line L, as will be described later.

The main control board 5071 has the controller 5041, a random number generation circuit 5045, a sampling circuit 5046, a clock pulse generation circuit 5047 and a divider 5048.

The random number generation circuit 5045 operates in response to a command from the main CPU 5042 to generate random numbers within a certain fixed range. The sampling circuit 5046 extracts a random number at random from the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 5045 in response to a command from the main CPU 5042. The sampling circuit 5046 inputs the extracted random numbers to the main CPU 5042. The clock pulse generation circuit 5047 generates a reference clock for activating the main CPU 5042. Then, the divider 5048 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed period, to the main CPU 5042.

A reel driving unit 5050 is connected to the main control board 5071. This reel driving unit 5050 has a reel position detection circuit 5051 and a motor driving circuit 5052. The reel position detection circuit 5051 detects the stop position for each one of the left reel 5005, the center reel 5006 and the right reel 5007. The motor driving circuit 5052 inputs a driving signal to motors M1, M2 and M3 which are connected to reels 5005 through 5007, respectively. Motors M1, M2 and M3 are activated in response to a driving signal inputted from the motor driving circuit 5052. As a result, motors M1, M2 and M3 respectively spin reels 5005 through 5007, and stop them at a desired position.

A touch panel 5018 is also connected to the main control board 5071. This touch panel 5018 identifies the coordinate position of the portion a player has touched. The touch panel 5018 identifies where the player touched the panel and in which direction the touched location has moved based on the identified coordinate position information. The touch panel 5018 inputs a signal corresponding to the identification results to the main CPU 5042 through the I/O port 5049.

Operation buttons 5026 are also connected to the main control board 5071. As was already described, the operation buttons 5026 include a start button for instructing execution of the game, a collecting button, a BET button, etc. The buttons included in the operation buttons 5026 each input an operation signal to the main CPU 5042 through the I/O port 5049 upon being held down.

A communication interface 5068 is also connected to the main control board 5071. This communication interface 5068 is employed during transmission and reception of different types of data (for instance, bet information and results of progressive-prize lottery and the like) between the gaming machine 5001 and the server 5091.

The main control board 5071 also has an illumination effect driving circuit 5061, a hopper driving circuit 5063, a payout completion signal circuit 5065 and a display portion driving circuit 5067.

The illumination effect driving circuit 5061 outputs an effect signal with respect to the above-described light emitting portion 5030 and the topper effect device 5004. The topper effect device 5004 is connected in series with the illumination effect driving circuit 5061 through the light emitting portion 5030. When an effect signal is received, the light emitting portion 5030 and the topper effect device 5004 emit light in a predetermined light emitting pattern. As a result, gaming machine 5001 has an illumination effect in accordance with the progress of the game.

The hopper driving circuit 5063 drives a hopper 5064 based on the control of the main CPU 5042. As a result, the hopper 5064 performs a coin payout operation whereby coins are paid out to the coin tray 5029. The display portion driving circuit 5067 then controls display of the respective display portions including the payout amount display portion 5019, the credit amount display portion 5020 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 135, a coin detecting portion 5066 is connected to the payout completion signal circuit 5065. The coin detecting portion 5066 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 5064 and then inputs data on the measured amount of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 5065. The payout completion signal circuit 5065 judges whether a set number of coins has been paid out, based on the coin amount data inputted from the coin detecting portion 5066. If the set number of coins has been paid out, the payout completion signal circuit 5065 inputs a signal showing completion of coin payout to the main CPU 5042.

As shown in FIG. 136, a sub-control board 5072 is connected to the main control board 5071. This sub-control board 5072 is composed on a circuit board that differs from the main control board 5071. The sub-control board 5072 controls display of the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A and the main liquid crystal panel 5011B and controls sound output by the speaker 5031 based on a command inputted from the main control board 5071.

The sub-control board 5072 has a micro computer (hereinafter referred to as a sub-micro computer 5073) as a main constituting element thereof. The sub-micro computer 5073 has a sub-CPU 5074, a program ROM 5075, a work RAM 5076, and I/O ports 5077 and 5080. The sub-CPU 5074 performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control board 5071. The program ROM 5075 stores a control program executed by the sub-CPU 5074. The work RAM 5076 is constituted as a temporary storage section for use when the above control program is executed by the sub-CPU 5074.

The sub-control board 5072 executes random number sampling upon an operation program of the sub-CPU 5074. Accordingly, the sub-control board 5072 can carry out processes similar to those of the clock pulse generation circuit 5047, the divider 5048, the random number generation circuit 5045 and the sampling circuit 5046 provided on the main control board 5071.

The sub-control board 5072 also has a sound source IC 5078, a power amplifier 5079 and an image control circuit 5081. The sound source IC 5078 controls the sound outputted from the speaker 5031. The power amplifier 5079 amplifies the sound output. The image control circuit 5081 operates as a display control section of the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A and the main liquid crystal panel 5011B.

The image control circuit 5081 has an image control CPU 5082, an image control work RAM 5083, an image control program ROM 5084, an image ROM 5086, a video RAM 5087 and an image control IC 5088. The image control CPU 5082 decides the image to be displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A and the main liquid crystal panel 5011B in accordance with the image control program and the parameters set in the sub-micro computer 5073.

The image control program ROM 5084 stores an image control program and different types of select tables relating to the display for the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A and the main liquid crystal panel 5011B. The image control work RAM 5083 is a temporary storage section used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU 5082. The image control IC 5088 forms images according to the contents decided by the image control CPU 5082 and outputs these images to the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A and the main liquid crystal panel 5011B. The image ROM 5086 stores dot data for forming images. The video RAM 5087 functions as a temporary storage section for use when an image is formed by the image control IC 5088.

Next, a description will be given on the slot game executed in the gaming machine 5001 according to the present embodiment. The slot game is executed separately in each gaming machine 5001. Specifically, the slot game is a game in which a payout is acquired by repositioning a specific symbol combination on a pay line L of reels 5005 through 5007.

More specifically, when the slot game starts, the player first operates the operation buttons 5026 to set a bet amount. Then, when the player holds down the start button, reels 5005 through 5007 start spinning. The symbol columns drawn on the Reels 5005 through 5007 are each scroll displayed in a downward direction in the display windows 5015 through 5017 each of which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 137).

When a predetermined time has lapsed, reels 5005 through 5007 each stop automatically in a predetermined sequence. As a result, portions of the symbol columns (three symbols in each reel, a total of nine symbols) drawn on each of the reels 5005 through 5007 are respectively repositioned in the respective display windows 5015 through 5017 which are in a transparent state (refer to FIG. 138).

Here, in the slot game, a payout amount is awarded when any of the predetermined types of winning combination is repositioned on the pay line L. The payout amount is calculated by multiplying the number of bets to the payout in accordance with the winning combination repositioned on the pay line L.

A unit game in the slot game is composed of a series of processes ranging from betting of the gaming values to repositioning the symbols and payout (S5022 through S5028).

Next, a detailed description will be given on the winning combinations and the associated payout amounts in the slot game by referring to the drawings. FIG. 139 is an explanatory diagram of a payout table showing winning combinations and a payout amount for each winning combination according to the present embodiment.

The payout amounts shown in FIG. 139 represent payout amounts for the case the number of bets is “1”. If the number of bets is “2” or more, the amount to be paid is obtained by multiplying the respective number of bets by a payout amount as shown in FIG. 139.

For instance, if three blue seven symbols 5090A are repositioned on the pay line L, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 1000 credits will be paid out.

If the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L are constituted of blue seven symbol(s) 5090A and red seven symbol(s) 5090B, an amount obtained by multiplying the number of bets by 80 credits will be paid out. In this case, each blue seven symbol 5090A and red seven symbol 5090B included in the three symbols on the pay line L may be positioned in any pattern.

The payout amount for each winning combination shown in FIG. 139 is set in a similar manner. In this case, however, if the three symbols repositioned on the pay line L do not correspond to any of the winning combinations (refer to FIG. 139), the game is a losing. In this case, no payout is made.

Next, the main control program to be executed in the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail by referring to the drawings. FIG. 140 is a flow chart of the main control program. Incidentally, the main control program is executed by the server control CPU 5092 of the server 5091.

First, when the power-on switch of the game system 5100 is pressed (power is applied), the server control CPU 5092 executes an initial setting process (S5001). When the game system 5100 is turned on, power is supplied to each gaming machine 5001.

In this initial setting process (S5001), the server control CPU 5092 executes initial setting of the server 5091 and the like, and at the same time transmits an initial setting signal to the main CPU 5042 of each gaming machine 5001.

Upon receiving this initial setting signal, each gaming machine 5001 activates its main control board 5071 and the sub-control board 5072 to execute an initial setting. During the initial setting, the main CPU 5042 of each gaming machine 5001 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 5044 to develop compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to the RAM 5043. The main CPU 5042 then executes the BIOS developed in the RAM 5043 and diagnoses and initializes the various types of peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU 5042 writes the game program, etc. from the ROM 5044 to the RAM 5043 to obtain payout rate setting data and country ID information. During the initial setting, the main CPU 5042 also carries out an authentication process with respect to each program.

When the initial setting in each gaming machine 5001 is completed, the server control CPU 5092 shifts the process to S5002.

After shifting to S5002, the server control CPU 5092 transmits a game start signal to each gaming machine 5001. As will be described later, each gaming machine 5001 can execute the slot game upon receiving this game start signal. After the game start signal is transmitted to each gaming machine 5001, the server control CPU 5092 shifts the process to S5003.

After shifting to S5003, the server control CPU 5092 executes a progressive payout management process. In this progressive payout management process (S5003), the server control CPU 5092 carries out an integrated control process relating to the progressive payout, targeting the entire game system 5100. For instance, the server control CPU 5092 executes an update process to update the progressive payout information, a winning lottery process to draw a progressive prize and a process relating to transmission of a winning or losing signal to the gaming machines 5001. The progressive payout management process (S5003) will be described in detail later. Once the progressive payout management process (S5003) ends, the server control CPU 5092 executes the progressive payout management process once again.

Next, the progressive payout management process program executed in the server control CPU 5092 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 128 is a flow chart of a progressive payout management process program.

As shown in FIG. 128, once execution of the progressive payout management process program starts, the server control CPU 5092 first judges whether the bet information is received (S5011). This bet information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) thus bet when a slot game is executed in each gaming machine 5001. The bet information is transmitted from the gaming machine 5001 to the server 5091 (S5024) by executing a start acceptance process (S5022) and so on as will be described later. If the bet information is received (S5011: YES), the server control CPU 5092 shifts the process to S5012. Alternatively, if no bet information is received (S5011: NO), the server control CPU 5092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

After shifting to S5012, the server control CPU 5092 executes a data update process. In the data update process (S5012), the server control CPU 5092 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information. More specifically, the server control CPU 5092 adds a gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 1%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MEGA” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 5092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.5%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MAJOR” progressive payout. Also, the server control CPU 5092 adds the gaming value corresponding to a predetermined ratio (for instance, 0.2%) of the bet amount indicated in the bet information in an accumulative manner to the “MINOR” progressive payout. Then, the server control CPU 5092 shifts the flow to S5013.

At S5013, the server control CPU 5092 executes a progressive prize lottery process. In this progressive prize lottery process (S5013), a lottery for a progressive prize win is executed at the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information has been transmitted. More specifically, the server control CPU 5092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range. The server control CPU 5092 determines whether the result is winning a progressive prize for awarding any of the progressive payouts including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”, or not winning any progressive prize (in other words, losing), based on the table and the sampled random numbers.

Here, a process in which random numbers are used in the progressive prize lottery process (S5013) will now be described based on the drawings. FIG. 141 is one example of a table including associations between random numbers and winning contents.

As was described earlier, in the progressive prize lottery process (S5013), the server control CPU 5092 executes a lottery program to sample a random number from a predetermined random number range (for instance, 0 through 65535). Thereafter, the server control CPU 5092 determines the prize contents based on the sampled random number and the table including associations between random numbers and prize contents.

For instance, if a random number “0” is sampled, the server control CPU 5092 determines a win for the “MEGA” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “0” and the table shown in FIG. 141. Also, if a random number “17” is sampled, the server control CPU 5092 determines a win for the “MAJOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “17” and the table shown in FIG. 141. If a random number “211” is sampled, the server control CPU 5092 determines a win for the “MINOR” progressive prize with respect to the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “211” and the table shown in FIG. 141. If a random number “23676” is sampled, the server control CPU 5092 determines losing with respect to the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted, based on the random number “23676” and the table shown in FIG. 141.

Thereafter, at S5014, as a result of the lottery process at S5013, the server control CPU 5092 judges whether or not any progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted. If it is judged that a progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 5001 from which bet information is transmitted (S5014: YES), the process shifts to S5015. Alternatively, if it is judged that no progressive prize is won at the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S5014: NO), the progressive payout management process program ends.

At S5015, the server control CPU 5092 judges whether an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution in the gaming machine 5001 or not, namely, whether or not any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 5001 within a predetermined time lag. In this embodiment, a predetermined time lag represents a period of time during which an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is executed at a gaming machine 5001.

Here, the effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is executed during a predetermined time period (for instance, for 30 sec.) in all the gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system 5100 when a progressive prize is won at any of the gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system 5100, to be later described. The server control CPU 5092 measures a lapse of time from the point a winning signal and a losing signal are previously sent to gaming machines 5001, utilizing a timer installed inside the server 5091 and the like. Then, if the lapse of time measured is shorter than the time period needed to complete an effect (for instance, 30 sec.), it is judged that an effect with respect to the progressive prize is under execution. However, an interactive communication between the server 5091 and the gaming machines 5001 may be utilized to judge whether the effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution at a gaming machine 5001 or not.

If it is judged that an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5015: YES), namely, that any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 5001 within a predetermined time lag, the process shifts to S5016. Meanwhile, if it is judged that an effect with respect to winning a progressive prize is not under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5015: NO), the process shifts to S5017.

At the above-described judgment process of S5015, the cases where it is judged that any of the progressive prizes is won at two or more gaming machines 5001 within a predetermined time lag (S5015: YES) includes a case where a progressive prize of a same kind (for instance, “MAJOR”) is won at a plurality of gaming machines within a predetermined time lag, and a case where progressive prizes of different kinds (for instance, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”) are won at a plurality of gaming machines within a predetermined time lag.

At S5016, the server control CPU 5092 calculates a payout amount to be paid out to each of the gaming machines 5001 which have respectively won progressive prizes within a predetermined time lag. In this embodiment, the server control CPU 5092 first calculates a to-be-added amount obtained by dividing a payout amount of a progressive prize none of winning gaming machines has hit by the number of the winning gaming machines. Next, the to-be-added amount is added to a progressive payout amount each of the winning gaming machines 5001 has won, whereby the sum of those two amounts is treated as a resultant payout amount to be paid out to each of the winning gaming machines 5001.

Referring to FIG. 142, there will be described an example in which the current accumulative amount of “MEGA”, that of “MAJOR” and that of “MINOR” are 1500 credits, 1000 credits and 500 credits respectively and a gaming machine A and a gaming machine B have won a “MEGA” jackpot prize and a “MINOR” jackpot prize respectively within a predetermined time lag. In this case, both of the gaming machines A and B will have 500 credits each as a to-be-added amount obtained by dividing 1000 credits, the current accumulative amount of “MAJOR” both of the two winning gaming machines A and B did not hit, by the number of the winning gaming machines. The gaming machine A will have 2000 credits as resultant payout amount which is a sum of 1500 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MEGA” the gaming machine A has won and 500 credits of the to-be-added amount. The gaming machine B will have 1000 credits as resultant payout amount which is a sum of 500 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MINOR” the gaming machine B has won and 500 credits of the to-be-added amount. A total of payout amounts to be paid out to the gaming machine A and the gaming machine B in case those two gaming machines win a prize respectively within a predetermined time lag is equal to a total of all types of the progressive payouts accumulated by the time when the gaming machines A and B win a prize separately.

Referring to FIG. 143, there will be described an example in which the current accumulative amount of “MEGA”, that of “MAJOR” and that of “MINOR” are 1500 credits, 1000 credits and 500 credits respectively and both a gaming machine A and a gaming machine B have won a “MEGA” jackpot prize separately within a predetermined time lag. In this case, both of the gaming machines A and B will have 1000 credits each as a to-be-added amount obtained by dividing a sum of 1500 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MAJOR” and 500 credits corresponding to that of “MINOR” by the number of the winning gaming machines, wherein “MAJOR” and “MINOR” are prizes both of the two winning gaming machines did not hit. The gaming machine A will have 2000 credits as resultant payout amount which is a sum of 1000 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MAJOR” the gaming machine A has won and 1000 credits of the to-be-added amount. The gaming machine B will have 2000 credits as resultant payout amount which is a sum of 1000 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MAJOR” the gaming machine B has won and 1000 credits of the to-be-added amount.

A payout amount of a progressive prize none of winning gaming machines hit may not always be distributed to the winning gaming machines equally. For instance, a larger ratio of the to-be-added payout amounts may be distributed to a winning gaming machine which has won earlier. Alternatively, a larger ratio of the to-be-added payout amounts may be distributed to a winning gaming machine which has won a prize of a smaller payout amount.

At S5016, the payout amount may be calculated in accordance with the following manner.

For instance, a payout amount of a progressive prize none of winning gaming machines hit may be added to a payout amount of either one of the winning gaming machines 5001. In that case, a payout amount of the other winning gaming machine 5001 remains unchanged from its payout amount the other winning machine has originally won.

Referring to FIG. 144, there will be described an example in which the current accumulative amount of “MEGA”, that of “MAJOR” and that of “MINOR” are 1500 credits, 1000 credits and 500 credits respectively and a gaming machine A and a gaming machine B have won a “MEGA” jackpot prize and a “MINOR” jackpot prize respectively within a predetermined time lag. In this case, the 1000 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MAJOR” none of the winning gaming machines hit will be added to the payout amount of the gaming machine A which has won earlier. That is, the gaming machine A will have 2500 credits of payout amount which is a sum of 1500 credits corresponding to the current accumulative amount of “MEGA” the gaming machine A has originally won and the 1000 credits. Furthermore, the gaming machine B will have 500 credits of payout amount which is the current accumulative amount of “MINOR” the gaming machine B has originally won.

Next, at S5017, the server control CPU 5092 transmits a winning signal or a losing signal to each of the gaming machines 5001 connected to the server. Here, the winning signal serves to announce that the gaming machine to which transmission of such signal is made has won a progressive prize. The winning signal is transmitted to the gaming machine 5001 at which the progressive prize is won. The winning signal includes information of a calculated payout amount if a payout amount has been calculated at S5016. If the process of S5016 has not been executed, the winning signal includes information on the payout amount based on the accumulated amount which is accumulated until present as a progressive amount (any of the “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR” progressive amounts) corresponding to the won progressive prize.

Meanwhile, the losing signal serves to announce that the gaming machine to which transmission is made has not won a progressive prize. The losing signal is transmitted to all the gaming machines 5001 other than the gaming machine 5001 at which the progressive payout is won.

The main CPU 5042 of the gaming machine 5001 at which the winning signal or the losing signal is received executes an effect processes (S5033, S5034, S5037, S5039 and S5040) relating to winning of a progressive prize as will be described later.

Next, at S5018, the server control CPU 5092 updates the accumulated amount of the progressive payout corresponding to the won progressive prize to an initial value. In case two or more of gaming machines 5001 have won any of the above progressive prizes, accumulated amounts of all types of the progressive prizes will be updated to the initial value.

Thereafter, the server control CPU 5092 ends the progressive payout management process program.

Next, the main game process program executed in each of the gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system 5100 will be described in detail referring to the drawings. FIG. 145 is a flow chart of the main game process program executed in a gaming machine 5001.

The slot game in the gaming machine 5001 according to the present embodiment is realized by executing the main game process program. The main game process program is repeatedly executed during power supply to the gaming machine 5001.

In the following description, each gaming machine 5001 has already ended initial setting for each gaming machine 5001 following reception of the initial setting signal transmitted from the server 5091.

As shown in FIG. 145, after starting execution of the main game process program following initial setting, the main CPU 5042 judges whether a game start signal is received (S5021). This game start signal is transmitted from the server 5091 (S5002). If a game start signal is received (S5021: YES), the main CPU 5042 shifts the process to S5022. On the other hand, if the game start signal is not yet received (S5021: NO), the main CPU 5042 puts the process in standby. Specifically, the gaming machine 5001 maintains the standby state until a game start signal is received.

At S5022, the main CPU 5042 performs a start acceptance process. In the start acceptance process (S5022), the main CPU 5042 accepts a bet operation from the player. The above bet operation is carried out by inserting a coin or operating the BET button. In the start acceptance process, the main CPU 5042 transmits a control signal to the sub-control board 5072. As a result, the display windows 5015 through 5017 of the main liquid crystal panel 5011B each shift to or are maintained in a transparent state by the sub-control board 5072.

After shifting to S5023, the main CPU 5042 judges whether the start button has been operated. More specifically, the main CPU 5042 makes the judgment at S5023 based on the presence or absence of a signal based on the input operation of the start button.

If the start button is operated (S5023: YES), the main CPU 5042 executes the predetermined process and shifts the process to S5024. More specifically, the main CPU 5042 stores the bet information based on the bet amount set in the start acceptance process (S5022) in RAM 5043. The main CPU 5042 then transmits this bet information to the server 5091. The main CPU 5042 also subtracts the bet amount according to this bet information from the credit amount.

On the other hand, if the start button is not operated (S5023: NO), the main CPU 5042 returns the process to S5022. As a result, the start acceptance process (S5022) is executed again. Accordingly, the player can execute a bet amount correction operation, etc.

At S5024, the main CPU 5042 transmits the bet information to the server 5091. This information shows the amount of gaming values (specifically, the bet amount) which is bet in the start acceptance process at S5022. The server 5091 then updates the respective three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S5012).

In the next process S5025, the main CPU 5042 executes the symbol lottery process. This symbol lottery process (S5025) serves to decide the symbols positioned on the main liquid crystal panel 5011B by lottery. More concretely, the main CPU 5042 executes the above lottery program to sample a random number value from the numerical range of a predetermined random number value range. The main CPU 5042 decides each symbol (i.e., the stop position of reels 5005 through 5007) to be positioned on the pay line L based on the sampled random number values and the table.

Here, a process using the random number values in the symbol lottery process (S5025) will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 146 is one example of a table showing associations between the symbols drawn on one reel band and code numbers. FIG. 147 is one example of a table showing the association between random number values and code numbers. The table showing associations between symbols and code numbers (for instance, FIG. 146) contains associations with respect to the left reel 5005, the center reel 5006 and the right reel 5007.

As was described in the above text, in the symbol lottery process (S5025), the main CPU 5042 executes the lottery program to sample random number values from the predetermined random number range (for instance 0 through 65535). The main CPU 5042 then decides the code numbers based on the sampled random number values and the table containing associations between the random number values and the code numbers. The main CPU 5042 decides the symbols to be positioned on the pay line L based on the code numbers and the table containing associations between the symbols and the code numbers. As a result, the main CPU 5042 can decide a symbol combination constituted by three symbols positioned on the pay line L.

For instance, if the left reel 5005 is the reel band constituted by symbols shown in FIG. 146 and random number value “1136” is sampled, the main CPU 5042 decides a code number “08” based on the random number value “1136” and the table shown in FIG. 147. Then, the main CPU 5042 decides the symbol to be positioned on the pay line L in display window 5015 to be the bar symbol 5090E based on the code number “08” and the table shown in FIG. 146.

The process using random number values in the symbol lottery process (S5025) is not limited to the process using random number values, a table containing associations between random number values and code numbers and a table containing associations between symbols and code numbers.

For instance, direct associations can be made between random number values to be sampled and symbols. The symbols to be stopped and displayed can also be decided using direct associations between the random number values to be sampled and winning combinations and the above tables.

The processes following the symbol lottery process (S5025) in the main game process program will now be described by referring to FIG. 145.

After the symbol lottery process (S5025) ends, the main CPU 5042 executes a reel rotation control process (S5026). More specifically, the main CPU 5042 drives motors M1, M2 and M3 through a motor driving circuit 5052. As a result, reels 5005 through 5007 start spinning. Thereafter, the main CPU 5042 decides the effect pattern (the image display pattern onto the main liquid crystal panel 5011B and the sound output pattern from speaker 5031) with respect to the unit game and transmits an effect signal to the sub-control board 5072, etc. Gaming machine 5001 then starts effect execution using the decided effect pattern based on the control of the sub-control board 5072. When the predetermined time has lapsed, the main CPU 5042 performs a reel stop operation. Specifically, the main CPU 5042 stops reels 5005 through 5007 through the motor driving circuit 5052. At this time, the main CPU 5042 stops reels 5005 through 5007 based on a code number decided in the symbol lottery process (S5025). As a result, the symbol combination decided at S5025 is repositioned on the pay line L. The main CPU 5042 ends the reel rotation control process (S5026) following stopping of reels 5005 through 5007 and then shifts the process to S5027.

After shifting to S5027, the main CPU 5042 judges whether the predetermined winning combination (refer to FIG. 139) is established on the pay line L. More specifically, the main CPU 5042 judges whether the symbol combination repositioned on the pay line L corresponds to the winning combination based on the code numbers, etc. of reels 5005 through 5007. If the winning combination is established (S5027: YES), the main CPU 5042 shifts the process to the payout process (S5028). On the other hand, if the winning combination is not established (S5027: NO), the main CPU 5042 ends the main game process program. In this case, if a game starts following the next game, the main CPU 5042 executes the processes following process S5021 once again.

At S5028, the main CPU 5042 executes a payout process. In this payout process (S5028), the main CPU 5042 pays out a prize (i.e., a payout) corresponding to the associated winning combination to the player. After ending the payout process (S5028), the main CPU 5042 ends the main game process program. In this case, the main CPU 5042 starts execution of the main game process program again, and executes the process at S5021.

The processes S5022 through S5028 constitute a single unit game executed in the slot game.

The prize payout (payout) can be made in different ways. For instance, a payout method can be adopted in which coins corresponding to the credit amount (1 credit corresponds to 1 coin) are paid out when the CASHOUT button is held down. A payout method can also be adopted in which payment is made by tickets with a bar code.

Next, the progressive prize-winning effect process program executed in each gaming machine 5001 constituting the game system 5100 will be described in detail while referring to the drawings. FIG. 148 is a flow chart of the progressive prize-winning effect process program in the gaming machine 5001. The progressive prize-winning effect process program is repeatedly executed while power is being supplied to the gaming machine 5001.

As shown in FIG. 148, once execution of the progressive prize-winning effect process program is started, the main CPU 5042 judges whether or not the winning signal is received (S5031). If any of the progressive prizes is won at that gaming machine 5001 as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 5091 at S5013, the winning signal is transmitted from the server 5091 (S5017).

Then, if the main CPU 5042 judges that the winning signal is received (S5031: YES), the process shifts to S5032. Alternatively, if the main CPU 5042 judges that the winning signal is not received (S5031: NO), the process shifts to S5035.

At S5032, the main CPU 5042 judges whether or not a losing effect notifying a player of not winning a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 5001. The losing effect starts at S5039 and S5040 to be later described, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a losing effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5032: NO), the process shift to S5033. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a losing effect is under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5032: YES), the process shifts to S5034.

At S5033, the main CPU 5042 starts a first winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize. At S5034, the main CPU 5042 starts a second winning effect notifying a player of winning the progressive prize, similarly. Then the main CPU 5042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program. The details of the first winning effect and the second winning effect will later be described.

Alternatively, at S5035, the main CPU 5042 judges whether or not the losing signal is received. This losing signal is transmitted from the server 5091, if, as a result of the lottery process carried out in the server 5091 at S5013, another gaming machine 5001 connected to server 5091 wins any of the progressive prizes (S5017).

If the main CPU 5042 judges that the losing signal is received (S5035: YES), the process shifts to S5036. Alternatively, if the main CPU 5042 judges that the losing signal is not received (S5035: NO), the process shifts to S5049.

At S5036, the main CPU 5042 judges whether or not a winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 5001. The winning effect starts at above-described S5033 and S5034, and later-described S5037, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a winning effect is under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5036: YES), the process shift to S5037. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a winning effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5036: NO), the process shifts to S5038.

At S5037, the main CPU 5042 starts a third winning effect notifying a player of winning a progressive prize. Then the main CPU ends the progressive prize winning process program. The details of the third winning effect will later be described.

Meanwhile, at S5038, the main CPU 5042 judges whether a losing effect notifying a player of losing a progressive prize is under execution at the gaming machine 5001 or not. The losing effect starts at later-described S5039 and S5040, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged that a losing effect is not under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5038: NO), the process shift to S5039. Meanwhile, if it is judged that a losing effect is under execution in the gaming machine 5001 (S5038: YES), the process shifts to S5040.

At S5039, the main CPU 5042 starts a first losing effect notifying a player of not winning a progressive prize. At S5034, the main CPU 5042 starts a second losing effect notifying a player of not winning the progressive prize, similarly. Then the main CPU 5042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program. The details of the first losing effect and the second losing effect will later be described.

At S5041, the main CPU 5042 judges whether a winning effect notifying a player of a progressive prize has ended at the gaming machine 5001 or not. The winning effect starts at above-described S5033, S5034 and S5037, and is executed for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 sec.) from the start.

If it is judged a winning effect has ended at the gaming machine 5001 (S5041: YES), the main CPU 5042 executes a progressive prize payout process (S5042). In the payout process (S5042), the main CPU 5042 pays out to the player a progressive payout amount corresponding to the progressive prize which is won. Once the payout process (S5042) ends, the main CPU 5042 ends the progressive prize winning effect process program. The payout amount to be paid out at the above S5042 will be a payout amount calculated at the above S5016 if another gaming machine 5001 wins a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag. Meanwhile, if another gaming machine 5001 does not win a progressive prize within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount will be the accumulated amount until the present time in a progressive payout corresponding to the progressive prize which is won (any of “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINOR”).

If it is judged that a winning effect has not ended in the gaming machine 5001 (S5041: NO), the progressive prize winning effect process program ends.

Hereinafter, the first winning effect and the first losing effect executed in the gaming machine will be explained using FIG. 149 through FIG. 151.

As shown in FIG. 149, the main CPU 5042 first displays a first winning effect screen 5121 on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A, upon receiving a winning signal from the server 5091 when a losing effect is not under execution. Upon receiving a losing signal from the server 5091 when a winning effect or a losing effect is not under execution, the main CPU 5042 displays a first losing effect screen 5122 on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A. Here, in the game system according to the present embodiment, the contents of the first winning effect screen 5121 and the first losing effect screen 5122 which are respectively displayed on all gaming machines 5001 constituting the game system are linked. FIG. 149 shows an example wherein a progressive prize is won at the second gaming machine 5001 from the right.

The first winning effect screen 5121 and the first losing effect screen 5122 respectively include a road 5123. A car 5124 runs on the road 5123. The car 5124 moves along the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A of all gaming machines 5001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 150, in the first winning effect, the car 5124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A. The payout amount to be awarded is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 5001 has won a progressive prize.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 151, in the first losing effect, this process ends without the car 5124 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A. A message announcing losing is then displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 5001 has not won the progressive prize.

Next, a second winning effect, a third winning effect and a second losing effect which are executed in the gaming machine 5001 will now be described with reference to FIG. 152 through FIG. 153.

For instance, FIG. 152 illustrates an example of upper liquid crystal panels 5011A after a gaming machine 5001 arranged second from the right has won a progressive prize and the first winning effect and the second winning effect illustrated in FIG. 149 are started, and in which a gaming machine 5001 arranged in the rightmost side newly wins a progressive payout.

In the example illustrated at FIG. 152, a second winning effect is newly started in the gaming machine 5001 located in the rightmost side, and a second winning effect screen 5125 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A.

Also, a third winning effect is newly started in the gaming machine 5001 located second from the right, and a third winning effect screen 5126 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A.

In addition, a second losing effect is newly started in the gaming machines 5001 located in the leftmost side and second from the left, and a second losing effect screen 5127 is displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A.

The second winning effect screen 5125, the third winning effect screen 5126 and the second losing effect screen 5127 are basically the same as the first winning effect screen 5121 and the first losing effect screen 5122 illustrated in FIG. 149, but are different therefrom in that the number of cars 5124, 5128 running on the road 5123 is plural (two cars in FIG. 152). The cars 5124, 5128 move along the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A of all gaming machines 5001 in a predetermined sequence (for instance, from right to left).

As shown in FIG. 153, in the second winning effect, the car 5128 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A. The payout amount to be awarded is displayed. Thus, the user is notified that the concerned gaming machine 5001 has won the progressive prize.

In the third winning effect, similarly to the first winning effect, the car 5124 is finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A (refer to FIG. 150).

In the second losing effect, similarly to the first losing effect, this process ends without the cars 5124, 5128 being finally stopped and displayed on the upper liquid crystal panel 5011A (refer to FIG. 151).

As was described earlier, in the game system 5100 according to the present embodiment, four gaming machines 5001 execute a game independently (S5022 through S5028). Then, the bet information relating to the bet amount bet in the gaming machine 5001 is transmitted to the server 5091 (S5024).

Upon receiving the bet information, the server 5091 updates the three types of progressive payout information based on the received bet information (S5012). Further, a lottery for winning one of the three types of progressive prizes is drawn with respect to the gaming machine 5001 from which the bet information is transmitted (S5013). If two or more gaming machines 5001 win a progressive prize independently within a predetermined time lag, the current accumulated payout of the progressive payout won by each of the winning gaming machines 5001 is not treated as final payout amount. Instead, the payout amount to be paid out to each winning gaming machine is newly calculated (S5016). The payout amount calculated thereat will be a sum of a current accumulative amount of a progressive payout a winning gaming machine has won and a current accumulative amount of other progressive payout none of the winning gaming machines hit. Thus, if plural gaming machines 5001 win a prize for awarding a progressive payout independently within a predetermined time lag, the payout amount to be awarded to each of the winning gaming machine is made larger in comparison with a case where one gaming machine 5001 wins the same prize for awarding the same progressive payout. This will never get rid of player's interest in a progressive payout, accordingly.

Furthermore, a game having novel entertainment characteristics can be executed by employing the novel payout system to award a progressive payout a winning gaming machine has not hit.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but also includes various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For instance, in the present embodiment, the server 5091 carries out a lottery process for winning a progressive prize with respect to the gaming machines 5001. However, this lottery process may also be carried out in each gaming machine 5001. This lottery may be carried out when the start button is depressed, for instance. If each gaming machine carries out a lottery process for winning the progressive prize, the gaming machine 5001 at which the progressive prize is won transmits the progressive prize signal to the server 5091. The server 5091 may transmit the winning signal or the losing signal to each gaming machine, after receiving the progressive prize signal.

In this embodiment, the predetermined time lag is the period of time in which the effect with regard to winning a progressive prize is executed, but the predetermined time lag may be a fixed length of time period which is set previously (e.g., 10 sec. or 20 sec.).

The present invention can be realized as a game method for executing the above processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for executing the above game method on a computer and a recording medium onto which this program is recorded.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A game system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively to the plurality of gaming machines, wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises: an effect device that executes an effect, a bet operation portion that accepts a bet operation of a player, and a processor that executes processes of: (A) transmitting bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server; (B) receiving a first effect signal or a second effect signal that is transmitted from the server; (C) when receiving the first effect signal from the server, executing a first effect by the effect device, the first effect announcing that a subject gaming machine having received the first effect signal wins a prize awarding a progressive payout; and (D) when receiving the second effect signal from the server, executing a second effect by the effect device, the second effect announcing that a subject gaming machine having received the second effect signal does not win the prize awarding the progressive payout; and wherein the server comprises: a memory that stores a progressive payout at present, and a processor that executes processes of: (a) adding to the progressive payout stored in the memory, based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines; (b) executing a lottery for winning a prize awarding a progressive payout as to the plurality of gaming machines; (c) if any of the plurality of gaming machines wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, transmitting the first effect signal to any of the plurality of gaming machines having won the prize; and (d) if any of the plurality of gaming machines wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, transmitting the second effect signal to gaming machines other than any of the plurality of the gaming machines having won the prize.
 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a processor provided in the server transmits, from among the gaming machines other than any of the plurality of gaming machines having won the prize awarding the progressive payout, the second effect signal to gaming machines located adjacent to any of the plurality of gaming machine having won the prize, at the process (d).
 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a processor provided in the server executes a lottery process for selecting one or a plurality of gaming machines from among the gaming machines other than any of the plurality of gaming machines having won the prize awarding the progressive payout, and transmits the second effect signal to one or the plurality of gaming machines selected in the lottery process, at the process (d).
 4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the processor of each of the plurality of gaming machines executes the first effect by the effect device in conjunction with other gaming machines connected to the server, when receiving the first effect signal from the server at the process (c), and executes the second effect by the effect device in conjunction with other gaming machines connected to the server, when receiving the second effect signal from the server at the process (d).
 5. A game system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively to the plurality of gaming machines, wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises: a bet operation portion for accepting a bet operation of a player; and a processor that executes processes of: (A) transmitting bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server; (B) executing a first stage lottery process for acquiring a winning right in respect of a prize awarding a progressive payout at a first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines; (C) transmitting a lottery result of the first stage lottery process to the server; (D) receiving a winning signal transmitted from the server; (E) paying out, when receiving the winning signal from the server, a prize based on the winning signal received, and wherein the server comprises: a memory storing a progressive payout at present; and a processor that executes processes of: (a) adding to the progressive payout stored in the memory based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines; (b) obtaining the first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines as to the plurality of gaming machines; (c) setting a second winning probability for each of the plurality of gaming machines based on the first winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines; (d) executing, when the lottery result of the first stage lottery process is received from a gaming machine among the plurality of gaming machines, as to which the first stage lottery process is executed, and the lottery result of the first stage lottery process received is acquiring of a winning right for the prize awarding the progressive payout a second lottery process for winning the prize awarding the progressive payout, to the gaming machine acquiring the winning right at the second winning probability set for the gaming machine; and (e) transmitting, when the gaming machine acquiring the winning right wins the prize awarding the progressive payout, a winning signal including information with respect to the progressive payout amount stored in the memory based on a lottery result of the second stage lottery process.
 6. The game system according to claim 5, wherein, at the process (c), the processor provided for the server sets the second winning probability for each of the plurality of gaming machines for equalizing resultant winning probability of the plurality of gaming machines, each of resultant winning probability being a product of the first winning probability and the second winning probability set for each of the plurality of gaming machines.
 7. A game system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines each capable of executing a game independently; and a server connected interactively with the plurality of gaming machines, wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises: a bet operation portion for accepting a bet operation of a player; and a processor that executes processes of: (A) transmitting bet information with respect to a bet amount betted through the bet operation portion to the server; (B) receiving a winning signal transmitted from the server; and (C) paying out, when receiving the winning signal from the server, a payout amount based on information included in the winning signal; and wherein the server comprises: a memory storing each of a plurality of progressive payouts at present; and a processor that executes processes of: (a) adding to each of the plurality of progressive payouts stored in the memory based on the bet information received from the plurality of gaming machines; (b) executing a lottery for winning a prize awarding a progressive payout as to the plurality of gaming machines; (c) calculating a payout amount being modified from each progressive payout to be awarded among the plurality of progressive payouts stored in the memory, when two or more gaming machines among the plurality of gaming machines respectively win a prize awarding any one of the plurality of progressive payouts within a predetermined time lag; and (d) transmitting a winning signal including information with respect to the payout amount calculated at the process (c) to each of the two or more gaming machines having respectively won a prize awarding a progressive payout.
 8. The game system of claim 7, wherein, at the process (c), the processor provided for the server calculates a payout amount, making the payout amount equal to each of the two or more gaming machines having respectively won the prize awarding the progressive payout within the predetermined time lag.
 9. The game system of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines comprises an effect device executing an effect, wherein the processor provided for a gaming machine executes a process of executing an effect announcing a win of the gaming machine for a prize awarding a progressive payout using the effect device when receiving the winning signal from the server; and wherein at the process (c), the processor provided for the server calculates a payout amount being modified from each progressive payout to be awarded among the plurality of progressive payouts stored in the memory, in case another gaming machine wins a prize awarding any one of the progressive payouts while any of the plurality of gaming machines is executing the effect through the effect device. 